Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Iberia A321XLR Suffers Bird Strike, Returns to Madrid
An Iberia Airbus A321XLR airplane had a run-in with a bird, possibly a vulture, right after leaving Madrid.
The bird hit the front of the plane, specifically damaging the part that protects the radar and potentially the engine.
Because of this, the pilots had to turn the plane around and land back in Madrid.
The passengers were put on another plane to get them to Paris, but they were delayed.
An Iberia Airbus A321XLR suffered a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Madrid.
The bird, likely a vulture, damaged the radome and the left engine.
Flight IB579, bound for Paris, returned to Madrid and made an emergency landing.
The incident occurred on August 3, 2025, approximately 20-30 minutes after takeoff.
Passengers were transferred to a replacement flight with a four-hour delay.
- Who
- An Iberia Airbus A321XLR aircraft, operated by Iberia.
- What
- An Iberia Airbus A321XLR experienced a bird strike causing damage and requiring an emergency landing.
- When
- August 3, 2025, shortly after takeoff at 6:40 p.m.
- Where
- Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Madrid.
- Why
- The bird strike damaged the aircraft, necessitating an emergency landing.
- Airline
- Iberia
- Aircraft
- Airbus A321XLR
- Incident
- Bird Strike
- Airport
- Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport
- Flight Number
- IB579
- Departure
- Madrid
- Destination
- Paris (ORY)
- Delay
- Four Hours
