FAA investigates British Airways Boeing 777-300ER bird strike and cabin fumes incident

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FAA investigates British Airways Boeing 777-300ER bird strike and cabin fumes incident

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British Airways Boeing 777-300ER | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Apr 28, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a British Airways incident involving a Boeing 777-300ER on April 26, 2025. The aircraft reportedly encountered a bird strike and experienced cabin fumes thereafter. The incident forced the plane to make an emergency landing at Boston Logan International Airport.

The British Airways flight, carrying flight number 216, began its journey at Washington Dulles International Airport, intending to reach London Heathrow Airport. The Boeing 777-300ER was registered as G-STBD, seating 254 passengers across four classes. Despite encountering problems, the aircraft landed safely at Boston Logan, without further issues.

The FAA confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, “British Airways Flight 216 landed safely at Boston Logan International Airport around 7:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 26, after the crew reported a possible bird strike and fumes in the cabin. The Boeing 777 departed Dulles International Airport and was headed to Heathrow Airport in London. The FAA will investigate.”

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The passengers were transferred to their destination on a British Airways Airbus A380. The A380 took off more than two hours later from Boston Logan and completed the journey to London Heathrow in under six hours. The A380, registered as G-XLEK, accommodated 469 passengers across four cabin classes, a higher capacity than the Boeing 777-300ER.

British Airways remains among the few airlines operating the Airbus A380. The airline's fleet includes various models, such as the narrowbody Airbus A320 and A321 series, regional Embraer jets, and widebody Boeing and Airbus aircraft. British Airways operates a growing fleet, currently totaling 295 aircraft, with routes connecting Europe and North America.