Precautionary Diversion: TUI Flight Rerouted Following Takeoff Incident
A TUI flight bound for Cyprus was forced to declare an emergency and divert to Birmingham Airport on Sunday following a bird strike during takeoff from Cardiff. Flight TOM 6754, a Boeing 737 en route to Paphos, encountered the incident at approximately 4:30 PM shortly after departure, prompting the precautionary rerouting procedure.
The aircraft circled Swansea Bay at approximately 3,000 feet before ascending to 12,000 feet and proceeding toward the West Midlands for landing. Operations at Birmingham Airport were temporarily halted as emergency services prepared for the aircraft's arrival, with four fire engines and additional emergency vehicles positioned on the runway to meet the plane.
Passengers and crew members were safely evacuated after the aircraft burned fuel during circling maneuvers prior to landing at 5:30 PM. A TUI spokesperson confirmed that the diversion was a routine precautionary measure, stating clearly that "there was no engine failure" and emphasizing that the incident was triggered by birds near Cardiff Airport during takeoff.
Cardiff Airport officials acknowledged the incident, noting that passenger safety remained their top priority and confirming the aircraft's safe landing at Birmingham. The diversion caused minor operational delays at Birmingham Airport, though normal operations resumed following the successful landing and evacuation of all onboard.
