On 28 September 2025, TUI Flight BY6754 bird strike emergency happened when birds hit the left engine 2 minutes after takeoff from Cardiff Airport. Pilots declared an emergency and landed safely at Birmingham Airport. All 160+ passengers got off safely. One person had minor injury. TUI confirmed no engine failure — just a bird strike.
What Happened to TUI Flight BY6754?
TUI Airways flight BY6754 departed Cardiff Airport at 4:28 PM on Sunday, 28 September 2025. Two minutes later, at around 3,000 feet, birds hit the left engine. The pilots set the emergency code Squawk 7700, circled to burn extra fuel, and landed safely at Birmingham Airport at 5:30 PM. Everyone on board got off safely. TUI stated it was a bird strike, not engine failure, and followed standard safety steps.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | BY6754 (also TOM6754) |
| Airline | TUI Airways |
| Aircraft | Boeing 737-800, registration G-TAWY |
| Route | Cardiff (CWL) to Paphos, Cyprus |
| Date & Time | 28 September 2025, 4:28 PM BST |
| Cause | Bird strike on left engine |
| Emergency Code | Squawk 7700 |
| Landing Airport | Birmingham (BHX) |
| Landing Time | 5:30 PM BST |
| Passengers & Crew | Around 160-170 |
| Injuries | None reported |
| TUI Statement | No engine failure – precautionary diversion after bird strike |
Minute-by-Minute Timeline of the Incident
- 4:28 PM — The Boeing 737 took off from Cardiff with holidaymakers heading to Cyprus.
- 4:30 PM — Birds struck the left engine. Passengers felt a strong vibration and noticed a burning smell.
- 4:31 PM — Pilots declared the emergency and turned toward Birmingham.
- 4:35–5:00 PM — The plane circled over Swansea Bay to burn off extra fuel.
- 5:12 PM — Birmingham Airport closed the runway briefly and prepared fire trucks.
- 5:30 PM — The plane landed safely. Fire trucks met it on the runway.
- After landing — Passengers disembarked and TUI arranged support for new travel plans.
What Is a Bird Strike and How Dangerous Is It on a Boeing 737?
Simple Definition and Why It Happens Near Airports
A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft. These events are most common during takeoff and landing, when planes fly at low altitudes near airports where birds often gather.
2025 UK & Global Bird Strike Statistics
Bird strikes happen regularly in aviation. UK airports see dozens of incidents each year that require pilots to take extra safety steps. The Boeing 737-800 has engines designed to withstand bird impacts, though crews always inspect afterward as a precaution.
Why Pilots Diverted to Birmingham Instead of Continuing to Cyprus (or Returning to Cardiff)
Birmingham Airport was only about 45 minutes away, while Cyprus was over three hours further. It had a long runway and full emergency services ready. Cardiff had shorter runways and less support for a full safety check, so pilots chose the safer, closer option.
Passenger Experiences: Fear, Confusion, and Crew Response
What Passengers Reported Feeling and Hearing
Passengers felt a sudden rumble and vibration on the left side, followed by a burning smell inside the cabin. Dave Preece, a 56-year-old passenger from Wales, said people sat in silence looking at each other. Many felt shocked when the first announcement mentioned engine issues.
How TUI Crew Handled the Situation
The crew remained calm and professional throughout. They shared updates when they could. After landing, TUI gave meal vouchers and help with changed travel plans. This support eased some of the stress for passengers whose holidays were disrupted.
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Was It Engine Failure? Clearing Up the Misinformation
Why Early Reports Mentioned “Engine Failure”
Some news stories first reported engine failure based on early details from the emergency call. This created confusion until more facts came out.
TUI’s Official Statement and What Really Happened
TUI stated clearly: “There was no engine failure. There was a bird strike after take-off and the diversion that followed was a precautionary routine procedure.”
Why Bird Strikes Often Feel Like Engine Failure
When birds hit the engine, they create strong vibrations and a burning smell that travels into the cabin. This feels serious even though the plane can usually keep flying safely. Pilots follow careful checks every time.
Your Rights and Compensation After a Bird Strike Diversion (UK261/EU261)
Why You Usually Get No Cash Payout for Bird Strikes
Bird strikes are considered “extraordinary circumstances” beyond the airline’s control. This means no automatic cash payment under UK261 or EU261 rules.
What You Are Entitled To (Meals, Hotel, Rebooking, Refund)
- Meal and drink vouchers after waiting more than two hours
- Free phone calls or emails
- Hotel and transport if the delay runs overnight
- Free rebooking to your destination or a full refund if you decide not to travel
5 Practical Steps to Get Everything You’re Owed from TUI
- Request written confirmation of the bird strike from the crew or airport staff.
- Ask for meal vouchers right away at the airport.
- Keep receipts for any extra expenses you pay.
- Review your travel insurance for more coverage.
- Contact TUI directly on their website for rebooking and assistance — start with them before using claim companies.
Why Birmingham Airport? Decision Factors and Airport Capabilities
Pilots picked Birmingham because of its long runway, strong emergency teams, and quick response. It was better set up than Cardiff for a safe landing plus a full engine check. This choice helped everyone get on the ground quickly and safely.
Technical Side: Squawk 7700, Fuel Burning Circles, and Pilot Procedures
What Squawk 7700 Means and Why It’s Used
Squawk 7700 is the standard emergency signal. When pilots switch to it, air traffic control knows right away that the plane needs urgent help. Nearby airports then prepare emergency services.
Why Planes Circle to Burn Fuel Before Landing
Aircraft take off heavy with full fuel for the long trip. They need to lose weight to land safely in an emergency. Circling over safe areas like Swansea Bay lets the engines burn fuel steadily without dropping it.
How Common Are Bird Strikes? Safety of the Boeing 737-800 and TUI
Recent Similar Incidents
Bird strikes occur across many airlines. Most end safely with a diversion, and serious damage or injuries stay very rare thanks to modern aircraft design.
Boeing 737 Bird Strike Resilience and Overall Safety Record
The Boeing 737-800 is known for its tough engines that often keep working after a bird strike. In this case, the plane and crew followed procedures exactly as designed.
What Airlines and Airports Do to Prevent Them
Airports use bird radars, noise devices, habitat changes around runways, and trained teams. Airlines give pilots regular training for these events.
AAIB Investigation Update (As of 2026)
What AAIB Does and Current Status
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) investigates serious flying incidents. They reviewed flight BY6754 to find any lessons that can improve safety in the future.
How to Find the Latest Reports
Go to the official GOV.UK AAIB reports section. Search for “BY6754” or “Cardiff bird strike”. Preliminary findings usually come within weeks, with fuller reports later.
Track the Flight Yourself
Search for BY6754 or TOM6754 on FlightAware. The flight path shows the takeoff from Cardiff, the holding circles over Swansea Bay to burn fuel, and the direct route into Birmingham. It gives a clear view of how the diversion unfolded.
What to Do If You’re on a Flight with a Bird Strike or Diversion
- Stay calm and listen to the crew. Pilots train for exactly these situations.
- Pay close attention to announcements.
- Ask crew members for updates if things feel unclear.
- After landing, request written notes about the incident.
- Take any vouchers or help offered.
- Contact your travel insurance for extra costs.
- Be patient while the airline sorts new flights.
Lessons for Holidaymakers: How to Prepare for Flight Disruptions
Choose travel insurance that covers delays and missed connections. Keep important items like medicines, chargers, and a spare outfit in your carry-on bag. Use flight tracking apps before and during travel. Read your airline’s delay policy in advance. A simple backup plan makes unexpected changes less stressful.
People Also Ask
What caused TUI flight BY6754 emergency landing?
Birds struck the left engine shortly after takeoff from Cardiff Airport.
Was there engine failure on TUI flight BY6754?
No. TUI confirmed there was no engine failure — it was a bird strike that led to a safe diversion.
Did anyone get hurt in TUI flight BY6754 incident?
No injuries were reported. All passengers and crew disembarked safely.
Where did TUI flight BY6754 land?
It landed safely at Birmingham Airport at 5:30 PM on 28 September 2025.
Can you claim compensation for bird strike diversion?
No cash compensation under UK261 rules, as bird strikes are extraordinary circumstances. You can still receive meals, rebooking, and care assistance.
Is AAIB investigating TUI flight BY6754?
Yes. Check the GOV.UK AAIB website for the latest updates.
How long were passengers delayed?
The original flight diverted about one hour after takeoff. TUI helped arrange new travel from Birmingham.
Are bird strikes common?
They happen regularly at airports worldwide, but strong aircraft design and pilot training keep passengers safe in nearly every case.
Incidents like this show how fast holiday plans can change. Good preparation and clear passenger rights help make disruptions easier to handle. Safe travels ahead.
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