
A TUI Boeing 737 flight bound for Paphos, Cyprus, was forced to divert to Birmingham Airport on Sunday after declaring an emergency due to a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Cardiff Airport. Flight TOM 6754, which departed at 4:30 PM, encountered birds near Cardiff Airport during its ascent, prompting the precautionary rerouting. The aircraft initially circled Swansea Bay at approximately 3,000 feet before climbing to 12,000 feet and proceeding toward the West Midlands for an emergency landing.
Birmingham Airport temporarily suspended operations to accommodate the diverted flight, with emergency services, including four fire engines and additional response vehicles, positioned on the runway. The aircraft safely landed at 5:30 PM after circling to burn excess fuel, a standard procedure to reduce landing weight and minimize risks. All passengers and crew were evacuated without injury, underscoring the effectiveness of the safety protocols followed during the incident.
TUI officials confirmed that the diversion was a routine precautionary measure, emphasizing that there was no engine failure. A spokesperson stated, "There was a bird strike after take-off and the diversion that followed was a precautionary routine procedure." Similarly, Cardiff Airport acknowledged the incident, reiterating that passenger safety remains their top priority and noting the aircraft's safe diversion and landing.
The event highlights the aviation industry's preparedness for bird strikes, which, while uncommon, can necessitate immediate action to ensure safety. Such incidents typically involve coordinated responses between airlines, airports, and emergency services to manage potential risks. The successful outcome of this diversion demonstrates the robustness of these procedures, ensuring that even minor disruptions are handled with minimal impact on passenger well-being.

A man in his 50s remains in life-threatening condition after sustaining a serious head injury during an altercation with door staff outside licensed premises in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning around 12:55am in the William Street area of the town, according to police statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Detective Inspector Handley confirmed that the man had been attempting to re-enter the licensed premises when he became aggressive toward two members of the door staff. Police reports indicate that the door staff pushed the man backward, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground, resulting in the serious head injury that now threatens his life.
The door staff provided immediate medical treatment to the injured man before he was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police have not released additional details about the man's identity or current medical status, focusing instead on their ongoing investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
PSNI detectives are continuing their enquiries and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV footage, or mobile phone recordings of the incident to come forward. The police reference number for the investigation is 75 of 19/10/25, and information can be provided through multiple channels including the PSNI website or anonymously via Crimestoppers.