Boeing 777 safely diverts from Washington D.C.–London route; FAA to investigate amid rising wildlife strike incidents.
Boston, April 27:
A British Airways flight from Washington, D.C. to London made an emergency landing in Boston on Saturday after the crew reported smoke in the cabin and a suspected bird strike, authorities confirmed.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), BA Flight 216, a Boeing 777, diverted to Boston Logan International Airport and landed safely around 7:30 p.m. local time.
“The flight landed safely after diverting to Boston as a precaution following a suspected bird strike,” British Airways said in a statement, adding, “We are sorry for the delay to our customers’ travel plans, but the safety of our customers and crew is always our priority.”
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Port Authority also confirmed that the plane landed without incident and that a bird was struck during the flight.
The flight had departed Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport around 5:30 p.m., based on data from FlightAware.com. No injuries were reported, and the exact number of passengers onboard remains unclear.
The FAA announced it will investigate the incident.
Wildlife strikes, particularly bird strikes, have been on the rise across the United States. In 2023 alone, around 19,400 wildlife strikes were reported, driven by factors like expanding wildlife populations, quieter aircraft technology, and increased air traffic.