JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — A Uganda Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Entebbe was forced to return to OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, 45 minutes after takeoff, after part of the aircraft’s windshield shattered mid-air.
The airline attributed the incident to a “bird strike”, but passenger accounts and aviation experts suggest alternative causes may be more likely.
In a statement, Uganda Airlines said the crew decided to return to OR Tambo International Airport as a safety precaution, adding:
“We confirm that all passengers and crew are safe. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our highest priority.”
Passenger Simon Kaheru described the incident as a “freak event” and praised the professionalism of the crew. On his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he wrote:
“In a freak incident mid-air shortly after we left Johannesburg, one half of the windscreen of the plane shattered. Capt. Tonny Tebajanga quietly and steadily handled the situation and flew us back safely. He saved many lives today.”
Michael Aboneka, another passenger, noted that the aircraft was already at cruising altitude, around 30,000 feet, when the incident occurred, with meals being served at the time.
Aviation experts say bird strikes are extremely rare at such altitudes. Birds typically do not fly above 20,000 feet, making a collision at cruising level improbable.
Technical faults, such as thermal cracking, structural defects, or post-maintenance installation issues, are considered more plausible causes in such cases.
Aboneka, a human rights advocate, also criticized the airline for delays prior to departure, which reportedly lasted four hours. He wrote on X: “Fly Uganda Airlines at your own risk, because this is how they reward patriotic citizens!”
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The aircraft involved is a nine-year-old Airbus A320-200, leased from Lithuanian airline DAT to support Uganda Airlines’ expanding network.
Uganda Airlines’ fleet also includes CRJ900LR regional jets and Airbus A330-800neo wide-body aircraft, enabling long-haul and regional operations.
Uganda Airlines operates daily flights between Johannesburg and Entebbe, providing a vital air link between Uganda and South Africa.
Aviation authorities and the airline are expected to investigate the incident fully before confirming the exact cause.
