Emergency Landing in Madrid: Iberia Flight to Paris Struck by Birds, Nose Cone Destroyed Mid-Air
Emergency Landing in Madrid: Iberia Flight to Paris Struck by Birds, Nose Cone Destroyed Mid-Air
What began as a routine flight from Madrid to Paris turned into a terrifying ordeal for passengers aboard Iberia flight IB-579, after the aircraft suffered a violent bird strike just 20 minutes after takeoff on Sunday, August 3. The mid-air collision caused serious structural damage to the nose cone and one of the engines of the Airbus A321, forcing the pilots to declare an emergency and return to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Footage & pic: NY Post pic.twitter.com/HVXbJ50Hek
— RT (@RT_com) August 6, 2025
According to eyewitness accounts, the situation escalated quickly once smoke began to fill the cabin, leading to panic among passengers. One traveler, Giancarlo Sandoval, described the atmosphere inside the aircraft as chaotic, explaining that the trouble began with a strange noise that many initially mistook for turbulence. “Then we smelled smoke and saw it coming from the back of the plane,” he said, recalling how fear spread through the cabin as oxygen masks dropped from overhead compartments and people grabbed onto one another in alarm.
Several viral videos posted online show passengers clinging to their masks, a crying baby audible in the background, and the thick haze of smoke creating a tense and frightening environment. Despite the unsettling conditions, the flight crew remained calm and focused, managing to guide the damaged aircraft safely back to Madrid, where emergency teams were on standby.
Another ANGLE pic.twitter.com/IL8oJbNGIE
— RT (@RT_com) August 6, 2025
Photos taken after landing reveal the extent of the bird strike’s impact. The nose of the aircraft was visibly shattered, with a deep hole exposing internal components, offering a chilling reminder of how forceful these airborne collisions can be. Iberia later confirmed that one of the engines was affected as well, which likely contributed to the smoke in the cabin.
The airline issued a public statement praising the flight crew for their quick thinking and steady response, crediting both the pilots and cabin staff for handling the crisis with “utmost professionalism.” Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Experts note that while bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation, fewer than 10% typically result in damage. However, this incident highlights the unpredictable nature of such hazards. In fact, a similar situation occurred just last month when an IndiGo flight bound for Delhi had to return after a bird strike led to engine failure.
