Flight emergency landing: An Iberia Airbus A321XLR operating flight IB579 from Madrid to Paris Orly was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff on August 3, after colliding with a large bird. The aircraft, Iberia’s newest and fourth A321XLR, delivered barely a month ago, sustained significant damage, prompting swift action by the flight crew. The plane hit "a large bird on the front part of the aircraft and one of its engines" shortly after takeoff from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) at about 6:40 PM local time, according to a statement from the airline.

Horrible scenes were witnessed within the cabin, with smoke creeping into the plane. The passengers were observed wearing oxygen masks as panic set in. Giancarlo Sandoval, a passenger, filmed the event, which has since been shared widely on social media. "We thought it was turbulence initially, but then we heard this unusual noise. Smoke began seeping in, and everyone took out their masks," Sandoval reported to local media. In the video, passengers can be seen visibly panicking while the aircraft crew worked to maintain order and safety. The footage shows a haze filling the cabin and passengers expressing alarm.

🇪🇸 BIRD STRIKE BLASTS AIRBUS NOSE, FORCES EMERGENCY LANDING IN MADRID

A Paris-bound Iberia flight was forced to turn back just 20 minutes after takeoff when a bird strike smashed the nose of the plane and filled the cabin with smoke.

Frightened passengers grabbed oxygen masks… https://t.co/E77RrJjUIi pic.twitter.com/kjJ0DIO8qE

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 6, 2025

Flight Crew Praised For Professionalism

In its press release, Iberia expressed admiration for the professionalism displayed by its flight and cabin staff. "The whole flight crew, pilots and cabin staff, behaved with the highest professionalism in coping with the situation and serving passengers," said the airline. Bird strikes as a recognized hazard in aviation, but one that infrequently results in severe damage. Aviation analyst Mike Ganyard commented, "Less than 10 per cent of bird strikes result in damage. But in this instance, the hit on one of the engines was bad enough to cause cabin smoke."

The engine was said to have visible damage, with one area described as having a "large gaping hole," although no one was harmed on board. But the pilot made a safe return to Madrid Barajas Airport, where emergency teams were waiting. All the passengers evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. Currently, Iberia and Spanish aviation authorities are investigating the incident.

Social Media Reactions

The incident soon became viral online, with users responding to the video with horror and disbelief. Reactions ranged from "I had no idea a bird could take down an airplane" to conspiracy speculation claiming that it was a drone strike rather than a bird.