A Hainan Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, bound for Shenzhen, China, made an emergency return to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on Sunday after its engine caught fire shortly after takeoff. The flight, carrying 249 passengers and 16 crew members, faced the emergency just minutes after departing.
Bird Strike Suspected Cause of Engine Fire
The Italian Coast Guard attributed the fire to a suspected bird strike—a frequent hazard where birds collide with aircraft, particularly during takeoff or landing. Fortunately, no injuries occurred.
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In a statement, Hainan Airlines apologized to passengers for the inconvenience and confirmed suspicions of a bird strike. The airline offered affected passengers a range of solutions, including alternative flights, refunds, and compensation for those who chose to cancel.
Swift Action by Crew Prevents Escalation
Media reports highlighted that the right engine fire prompted immediate action from the crew, who quickly performed an emergency fuel dump over the sea before returning safely to Fiumicino. Departing at 9:55 a.m. local time, the aircraft turned back, landing smoothly around 11:00 a.m. Coast Guard vessels were deployed as a precaution, though the situation remained under control, and the aircraft landed without further incident.
Investigation Underway as Airport Operations Remain Unaffected
While authorities are investigating the incident, they have yet to assess the full extent of the damage to the aircraft. Meanwhile, Fiumicino Airport officials reported that air traffic continued without major disruptions, and no significant delays affected other flights.
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