GeneralEconomy2h ago

Turkish Airlines Flight Returns to Katunayake After Bird Strike

TLDR

Turkish Airlines TK-731 hit by bird strike after Katunayake departure.
Circled for 3 hours with 253 passengers before safe landing.
Airbus A330-300 returned safely to Katunayake airport.

A Turkish Airlines flight bound for Istanbul, Turkiye, made an emergency return to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on July 11, 2026. The Airbus A330-300, operating as flight TK-731, encountered a bird strike shortly after its 7:07 AM departure. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft circled over the Negombo Lagoon area for over two hours to burn off fuel, as it is not equipped with a fuel jettison system. The flight, carrying 246 passengers and 10 crew members, ultimately landed safely back at BIA. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident and the safe resolution.

Story Update

Update #2\u00b7 Jul 11 · 7:01 AM

Flight TK731, an Airbus A330-300 operated by Turkish Airlines, departed Katunayake for Istanbul at 7:07 AM. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a bird strike. As a safety precaution, the flight circled over the western coast/Negombo Lagoon sea area for over three hours to burn off fuel, as the aircraft lacks an onboard fuel dumping system. The flight, carrying 253 passengers and 10 crew members, landed safely back at Katunayake around 10:00 AM. Information was confirmed by the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Katunayake Airport Duty Officer.

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