The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | URN | Passengers aboard a Uganda Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Entebbe were left shaken after the aircraft made a sudden mid-air return following a bird strike that shattered part of the cockpit windscreen. The incident occurred on Friday morning when Flight UR713 departed O.R. Tambo International Airport but turned back approximately 45 minutes after takeoff, initially without explanation to passengers.
According to Uganda Airlines, the aircraft was cruising at about 32,900 feet when it struck a bird, causing one section of the windscreen to shatter. In a statement, the airline confirmed that the flight crew opted to return to Johannesburg as a precautionary safety measure.
“This morning of 3rd April 2026, our flight from Johannesburg (JNB) to Entebbe (EBB) experienced a disruption approximately 45 minutes after take-off due to a bird strike, which resulted in a shattered windscreen,” the statement read. The aircraft safely landed back at O.R. Tambo International Airport about 70 minutes after the incident, with all passengers and crew reported safe.
One of the passengers, Simon Kaheru, described the experience as a “freak incident,” noting that some travellers sensed something was wrong even before the situation was explained. “One half of the windscreen of the plane shattered… Capt. Tebajanga quietly and steadily held the situation even though some of us could tell things were not right, and flew us back to Johannesburg,” Kaheru posted on X.
He praised Flight Captain Tony Tebajanga for his professionalism and calm handling of the situation. Uganda Airlines reassured the public that safety remains its top priority, and that appropriate procedures were followed to ensure the well-being of everyone on board.
