Why Did an EASA Probe Start After a Ryanair 737 Hit a Bird at Dublin?
Key Points
- 1EASA initiated an investigation into a Ryanair Boeing 737 bird strike at Dublin Airport on January 18, 2026, following a safe landing with no reported injuries.
- 2Dublin Airport recorded 278 bird strikes over a recent three-year period, despite spending hundreds of thousands on mitigation measures like bioacoustics and habitat management.
- 3Bird strikes are a high-risk event, with over 96% occurring during the low-altitude phases of takeoff, approach, and landing.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched an investigation. The probe follows a recent bird strike incident. It involved a Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft. The event occurred during landing at Dublin Airport (DUB). No injuries to passengers or crew were reported, according to the source.
Key Incident Details
The Ryanair Boeing 737 incident took place on January 18, 2026. The aircraft was on its final approach to the runway. Bird strikes are a common risk during this flight phase. They are also common during takeoff. Over 96% of all strikes occur near an airport. This is during low-altitude operations.
EASA's involvement signals the seriousness of the event. The agency oversees safety standards across Europe. They require mandatory reporting for commercial flights. This data is then sent to the ICAO Bird Strike Information System (IBIS).
Bird Hazard Management at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport (DUB) actively manages wildlife hazards. The airport authority (DAA) considers these aircraft wildlife strikes as high-risk events. Reports show 278 bird strikes occurred over a recent three-year period. This is despite significant spending on mitigation.
The airport employs trained professionals. They use acoustic deterrents to scare birds away. The DAA also uses a "long-grass" policy. This makes the airfield less attractive to certain species. The goal is to reduce the risk of a Ryanair Boeing 737 incident or similar events.
Regulatory Context and Risk
Bird strikes pose a significant safety risk. An ingestion into a jet engine can cause power loss. The Boeing 737's CFM56 engines are designed to withstand certain impacts. However, a strike by a large bird or a flock can cause severe damage.
Engine certification rules address this hazard. They specify required engine response after bird ingestion. The risk is not only engine damage. It can also include damage to the radome or windshield.
- EASA investigates bird strike events to improve certification standards.
- The cost of bird-related disruption is high globally. It totals over $1.36 billion annually.
- This Dublin Airport aviation safety investigation will review all procedures. It will look at the aircraft's maintenance and the airport's wildlife control.
This investigation ensures high commercial aviation news standards are maintained. It reinforces the focus on bird hazard management for all European airports. The findings will be crucial. They will help prevent future 737 landing incidents.
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Written by
Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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