Da Dona
Senior Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 157
- 158
A Uganda Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Entebbe was forced to make an emergency return shortly after takeoff following a mid-air incident involving the aircraft’s windscreen.
The flight, which had departed from O. R. Tambo International Airport on Friday morning, turned back approximately 45 minutes into the journey after part of the cockpit windscreen shattered.
📸:Uganda Airlines
According to the airline, the damage was caused by a bird strike during the early stages of the flight. The impact compromised the windscreen, prompting the flight crew to abort the journey as a precautionary safety measure.
The aircraft safely returned to Johannesburg, with all passengers and crew reported unharmed. Uganda Airlines emphasized that safety remains its top priority and that standard emergency procedures were followed.
Passengers aboard the flight described the incident as sudden but commended the crew for their calm and professional handling of the situation. The pilot, Captain Tonny Tebajanga, was praised for ensuring a safe landing despite the mid-air emergency.
Simon Kaheru, who was aboard the flight, praised the pilot’s professionalism in handling the situation.
“Grateful to God and the calm competency and professionalism of Capt. Tonny Tebajanga… one half of the windscreen of the plane shattered,” Kaheru posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that the pilot remained calm and steady throughout the incident, ensuring the aircraft returned safely despite the mid-air scare.
The incident adds to a series of recent operational challenges on the Entebbe–Johannesburg route, although aviation experts note that bird strikes, while relatively common, can occasionally result in serious damage particularly to sensitive areas like cockpit windows.
Uganda Airlines has since indicated that affected passengers will be assisted with alternative travel arrangements as the aircraft undergoes technical inspection.
The flight, which had departed from O. R. Tambo International Airport on Friday morning, turned back approximately 45 minutes into the journey after part of the cockpit windscreen shattered.
📸:Uganda Airlines
According to the airline, the damage was caused by a bird strike during the early stages of the flight. The impact compromised the windscreen, prompting the flight crew to abort the journey as a precautionary safety measure.
The aircraft safely returned to Johannesburg, with all passengers and crew reported unharmed. Uganda Airlines emphasized that safety remains its top priority and that standard emergency procedures were followed.
Passengers aboard the flight described the incident as sudden but commended the crew for their calm and professional handling of the situation. The pilot, Captain Tonny Tebajanga, was praised for ensuring a safe landing despite the mid-air emergency.
Simon Kaheru, who was aboard the flight, praised the pilot’s professionalism in handling the situation.
“Grateful to God and the calm competency and professionalism of Capt. Tonny Tebajanga… one half of the windscreen of the plane shattered,” Kaheru posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that the pilot remained calm and steady throughout the incident, ensuring the aircraft returned safely despite the mid-air scare.
The incident adds to a series of recent operational challenges on the Entebbe–Johannesburg route, although aviation experts note that bird strikes, while relatively common, can occasionally result in serious damage particularly to sensitive areas like cockpit windows.
Uganda Airlines has since indicated that affected passengers will be assisted with alternative travel arrangements as the aircraft undergoes technical inspection.
