Berniq Airways Flight NB463 of an Airbus A320-214, from Tripoli to Cairo Faces Bird Strike During Takeoff – Passengers Safe as Aircraft Sustains Damage to Nose Radome

Published on December 21, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On December 20, 2025, Berniq Airways Flight NB463, an Airbus A320-214, was forced to abort its takeoff roll at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, Libya, after encountering a very large flock of birds on Runway 10. The aircraft, which was bound for Cairo International Airport in Egypt, was carrying 155 passengers and crew members. The emergency response, which included the swift actions of the flight crew, ensured that all passengers were safely disembarked without any injuries.

What Happened During the Takeoff?

The incident occurred while the aircraft was in the process of taking off from Mitiga International Airport. As the Airbus A320, registered as 5A-BRE, reached a high ground speed of approximately 156 knots (roughly 180 mph), the aircraft encountered a large flock of birds. At this point, the flight crew decided to abort the takeoff to avoid any further complications, including potential damage to the aircraft’s engines or avionics.

The flight crew, commanded by Captain Marwan Al-Sheikhi and Co-pilot Tamim Mneina, responded quickly and professionally, preventing what could have been a catastrophic event. The pilots’ decision to abort the high-speed takeoff was critical in minimizing risk to the passengers and the aircraft.

Why Was the Takeoff Aborted?

A bird strike at high speed, especially during takeoff, can pose significant risks to an aircraft. The high-speed impact could potentially damage the aircraft’s engines or nose radome, which houses critical weather radar systems. Fortunately, in this instance, the pilots’ quick thinking in aborting the takeoff before fully lifting off the ground ensured that the aircraft did not suffer any further damage that could jeopardize the safety of everyone on board.

What Were the Consequences of the Bird Strike?

Post-incident inspections revealed significant damage to the nose radome of the aircraft due to multiple bird strikes. The nose cone, essential for housing the weather radar, was impacted, which required the aircraft to be taken out of service for repairs. This type of damage is common in bird strike incidents, as the nose area is particularly vulnerable to such impacts.

The aircraft underwent a thorough inspection to ensure that no birds had been ingested into the engines, which could have caused a more severe issue. Fortunately, no ingestion occurred, and the engines were confirmed to be intact, reducing the severity of the incident.

How Were the Passengers Affected?

Despite the frightening nature of the event, all 155 passengers and crew members were unharmed and safely disembarked at the terminal. The quick reaction of the flight crew and the airport’s emergency services played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board. The passengers were then informed of the replacement flight arrangements to Cairo, which were swiftly put into motion.

What Was the Response After the Incident?

After the aborted takeoff, Berniq Airways, the airline operating Flight NB463, confirmed that a replacement aircraft was deployed later that same day to transport the passengers to their intended destination, Cairo. This helped minimize the delay, which was expected to be just a few hours, as the passengers were transferred to the replacement aircraft promptly.

Meanwhile, the Airbus A320 (5A-BRE) was grounded for repairs to its radome and a thorough check to ensure the engines had not been affected by the bird strike. This inspection is a standard procedure in the aftermath of a bird strike incident to ensure the aircraft remains safe and operational for future flights.

What Are the Risks of Bird Strikes?

Bird strikes are a known risk in aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing when aircraft are flying at low altitudes. According to aviation safety reports, the majority of bird strikes occur within the first few minutes after takeoff, making this incident a textbook example of why swift action and effective crew training are crucial in ensuring flight safety.

The navigational equipment, such as the weather radar housed in the nose radome, is vital for flight safety, particularly in poor weather conditions. Any damage to this equipment can severely hinder the flight crew’s ability to make informed decisions about weather patterns or terrain, which is why bird strikes to this area are taken very seriously.

What Is the Future Outlook for Mitiga International Airport and Berniq Airways?

While the bird strike incident was an unfortunate event, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by airports and airlines in North Africa, where bird activity can pose significant risks to aviation. Both Mitiga International Airport and Berniq Airways have proven their commitment to safety by handling the situation swiftly and professionally, ensuring that no passengers were harmed.

The airline has also reiterated its focus on preventing such incidents in the future by working closely with airport authorities to improve wildlife management around airports, a critical component in ensuring the ongoing safety of passengers and crew members.

Conclusion: A Close Call for Flight NB463

Flight NB463 from Mitiga International Airport to Cairo International Airport was a reminder of the hazards that can arise during takeoff. However, the professionalism of the flight crew, the prompt emergency response, and the swift deployment of a replacement aircraft ensured that the situation was managed effectively. With no injuries reported and a replacement flight swiftly arranged, passengers were able to continue their journey to Egypt after only a brief delay.

While bird strikes are an ongoing risk in aviation, this incident highlights the importance of training, preparation, and safety protocols that are in place to ensure that such events are handled with the utmost care, minimizing risks and ensuring the well-being of all involved.