On Feb 8th, 2026, an easyJet Airbus A320-200neo, registration G-UZEH, operating flight U2-3052 from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Belfast, Northern Ireland, encountered trouble moments after departure.
The aircraft was in its initial climb out of runway 24 when the crew reported a bird strike and declared PAN PAN as a precaution. The pilots requested to halt the climb at 3,000 feet, and air traffic control subsequently cleared the aircraft to FL040 while the situation was assessed.
After completing the necessary checks, the crew decided not to continue the flight and returned to Amsterdam, where the A320neo landed safely on runway 18R approximately 20 minutes after takeoff. Emergency services were on standby, and the aircraft vacated the runway without further incident.
As a precaution, the aircraft was withdrawn from service for inspection and, around 23 hours after landing, remained on the ground in Amsterdam while maintenance teams examined the aircraft for any damage caused by the bird strike.
