NO PASSENGER was injured when one of the aircraft of Philippine Airlines (PAL) experienced a bird strike Wednesday afternoon, August 29.
In a statement, the national flag-carrier said Flight PR814 bound for Manila from Davao City pushed back from its parking bay at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport at 1:10 p.m.
“It taxied towards the main runway but midway, experienced a bird strike. The pilot halted the flight thus preventing take off and returned the plane to ramp at 1:34 p.m.,” PAL corporate communications officer Cielo Villaluna said in a text message.
She added that the bird strike was on the right engine of the aircraft during takeoff roll prior to lift-off. The aircraft returned to ramp and all passengers are safe.
"All passengers were assisted in the rebooking of their flights and food and drinks were also provided," she said.
Villaluna added with the trainings PAL conducted to its pilots in responding accordingly to situations like the recent incident, the pilots decided to halt the flight and return to ramp.
Davao airport police chief inspector Ronel Tesorero said the aircraft is not blocking the runway, instead it went back to the ramp.
“Passengers were given food and drinks and they were also assisted with their flight rebookings,” Villaluna added.