Air Malta flight returns after suspected bird strike

An Air Malta Airbus returned to Malta safely this morning after reporting a suspected bird strike. The incident happened at about 7.15 a.m. as the aircraft took off for Lyon. The airport adopted alert procedures but the twin-jet landed normally. A spokesman for Air Malta said the aircraft returned to Malta as a precautionary measure. It was inspected by technicians and certified safe. It is due to take off again at 9 a.m.