A Uganda Airlines Flight from Johannesburg to Entebbe was forced to turn back mid-air, 45 minutes into the flight following a bird strike that shattered part of the aircraft’s windscreen on Friday morning.
According to a statement released by the airline shortly after the incident, the flight crew took precautionary measures, making the decision to return to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), where the aircraft landed safely.
“This morning of 3rd April 2026, our flight from Johannesburg (JNB) to Entebbe (EBB) experienced a disruption approximately 45 minutes after take-off due to a bird strike, which resulted in a shattered windscreen” the statement read.
The Airline confirmed that all guests and crew were safe after the incident.
Simon Kaheru who was on the flight took to his X account to thank God and the Airline’s crew for ensuring their safe return back to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB).
“#Grateful to God and the calm competency and professionalism of Capt. Tonny Tebajanga of @UG_Airlines. In a freak incident mid-air shortly after we left Johannesburg, one half of the windscreen of the plane shattered. @tebsbalis quietly and steadily held the situation even though some of us could tell things were not right, and flew us back to Johannesburg” he posted.
However Michael Aboneka, another passenger on the same flight warned people to fly the airline at their own risk after waiting at the Airport for hours before the flight departed for the failed flight.
“After the flight leaving 4 hours later than the scheduled time, 30minutes into the air and there is an emergency (windscreen crack) now we had to return to the original place of departure. Indeed, prayers!” he posted
Bird bird strikes are a known hazard in global aviation, particularly during take-off and climb, though modern aircraft are designed to withstand such impacts.
The airline has since noted that it would assist passengers with the onward travel as the aircraft undergoes inspection.
