TUI flight declares an emergency after hitting a bird on departure from Edinburgh Airport to Lanzarote
- Flight BY1454 departed UK shortly after 6am today and was bound for Lanzarote
- But it is understood to have struck a bird on departure, causing damage to plane
- Passenger said it appeared those on-board will be put up in a hotel for the night
A TUI flight declared a midair emergency after hitting a bird moments during take off from Edinburgh Airport.
Flight BY1454 departed the airport shortly after 6am this morning and was bound for Lanzarote.
However it is understood to have struck a bird on departure, causing damage to the aircraft.
An emergency was declared around 6.30am and the aircraft was forced to land nearby in Glasgow.
A TUI flight declared a midair emergency after hitting a bird moments during take off from Edinburgh Airport (stock image)
The plane was scheduled to leave Edinburgh around 6am but ended up departing at 6.10am. It was due to land in Lanzarote at 10.45am.
Passenger Alex Brown told Edinburgh Live: ‘We have now been told that a bird hit an engine. The pilot has said there is damage to the aircraft.
A TUI spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘We would like to apologise to customers on board flight TOM1454 from Edinburgh to Lanzarote this morning, which diverted to Glasgow due to the aircraft suffering a bird strike.
‘Customers have been provided with refreshment vouchers and the flight is due to depart soon.
‘We understand how frustrating delays can be and we would like to thank customers for their patience. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.’