An easyJet flight to Gatwick was forced to return to Inverness airport shortly after take-off after a bird hit one of the aircraft’s engines.
The aircraft landed at the Scottish airport yesterday afternoon with fire crews on standby as a precaution.
A spokeswoman for the airline told the London Evening Standard: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY864 from Inverness to London Gatwick returned from airborne due to a bird strike during take-off.
“The pilot returned to Inverness in line with our procedures and as a precaution only. All passengers disembarked normally and easyJet is positioning in a replacement aircraft to fly passengers to Gatwick.
“Passengers are being provided with information and refreshment vouchers in the terminal. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience as a result of the delay.
“The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.”