Bird Strike Hits Saudia Boeing 777 on Departure from Algiers – No Injuries Reported

On October 25, 2025, a Saudia Airlines flight encountered a bird strike shortly after departing from Algiers-Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG). Despite the collision with a flock of birds during the takeoff climb, the flight continued safely to its scheduled destination, Jeddah-King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Thankfully, no passengers, crew, or ground personnel were injured during the incident.

The Incident: A Close Call for Saudia Flight SV340

Saudia Airlines flight SV340, operating a Boeing 777-3FGER aircraft, was in the early stages of its departure when it collided with a flock of birds. The bird strike occurred during the aircraft’s approach/climb-out phase. The Boeing 777, which was built in 2016, sustained minor damage to its nose cone but was able to continue its journey without further issues. This unexpected incident did not impact the safety of the passengers or crew, and the flight proceeded as scheduled.

The aircraft involved in the incident was equipped with General Electric GE90-115B engines, known for their reliability and performance. Despite the impact, the jet continued its climb without requiring any emergency landings, arriving safely at its destination in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Immediate Reactions and the Safety Protocols Followed

Following the bird strike, passengers onboard were unaware of the severity of the incident. As the aircraft continued its journey without interruption, the air traffic control services and the flight crew remained in close contact to ensure the safety of everyone aboard. The minor damage to the aircraft was thoroughly assessed upon landing, and there were no further safety concerns.

While bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation, they often result in significant safety concerns. However, the ability of Saudia flight SV340’s crew and the aircraft’s systems to manage the situation and maintain flight stability highlights the strength of modern aviation technology and the training of flight crews.

Saudia Airlines and Aircraft Safety: A Reputation for Excellence

Saudia Airlines has a long-standing reputation for providing safe and reliable air travel. The airline, based in Jeddah, operates a fleet that includes a variety of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, each designed to meet the highest safety standards. The Boeing 777, which is a part of the airline’s long-haul fleet, has proven to be one of the most reliable aircraft in commercial aviation, with advanced safety features and cutting-edge technology.

Bird strikes, though relatively rare in terms of major accidents, are a common hazard in the aviation industry. Airports and airlines globally have stringent protocols in place to minimize the risk of such incidents. The Algiers incident serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous safety measures, including regular aircraft inspections, bird control efforts around airports, and effective pilot training.

How Does a Bird Strike Impact Aviation Safety?

Bird strikes have the potential to cause significant damage to an aircraft, particularly to the engines and windshields. However, modern aircraft are designed to withstand such impacts. In the case of Saudia flight SV340, the bird strike only caused minor damage to the nose cone. The aircraft continued its journey to Jeddah without needing to make any emergency maneuvers. Aviation safety protocols and engineering advancements ensure that bird strikes are handled effectively, minimizing risks to passengers and crew.

Travel Tips: What to Do in Case of a Bird Strike

For global travelers, the news of a bird strike can be unsettling. However, it’s important to remember that air travel is among the safest modes of transportation. Here are a few travel tips for those concerned about bird strikes:

1. Don’t panic: Bird strikes are common, and aircraft are built to handle them.
2. Trust in the expertise of the crew: Pilots and air traffic controllers are highly trained to manage such situations.
3. Stay informed: If you’re traveling, stay updated on your flight status through the airline’s app or website.
4. Prioritize safety: Airlines, including Saudia Airlines, follow strict safety procedures to ensure your well-being.

Conclusion: Saudia Airlines Responds with Excellence

Despite the shocking nature of a bird strike during departure, Saudia Airlines flight SV340’s safe journey to Jeddah exemplifies the strength of modern aviation safety. The quick response of the flight crew, combined with the sturdy design of the Boeing 777, ensured that the incident did not disrupt the overall safety of the flight.

For tourists traveling through Algiers or Jeddah, or for anyone considering flying with Saudia Airlines, this incident serves as a reminder of the airline’s commitment to safety and reliability. Even in unexpected situations like bird strikes, the world of aviation continues to evolve to ensure the safety of all passengers.

The post Bird Strike Hits Saudia Boeing 777 on Departure from Algiers – No Injuries Reported appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Saudia Airline Set to Expand with 12 New Passenger Aircraft by 2026

Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline, Saudia, is embarking on a significant growth journey, with plans to add 12 new passenger aircraft to its fleet by 2026. This is just one part of a much larger expansion strategy, which includes a massive order for 191 new aircraft across the airline and its budget carrier flyadeal.

The announcement, made by Saudia’s Director of Corporate Communications, Abdullah Al-Shahrani, highlights how the airline aims to increase its capacity to meet both growing passenger demand and an expanding cargo sector.

A Historic Aircraft Order for Saudia

This expansion is part of a historic deal announced by the Saudia Group in May 2024, where the airline unveiled the largest aircraft order in Saudi aviation history. The deal includes 105 confirmed aircraft from Airbus, including 50 A320neo and A321neo planes intended for flyadeal.

Saudia’s move to bolster its fleet comes at a time when the country’s aviation industry is seeing rapid growth. In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector contributed around $20 billion to the economy, underscoring the importance of this industry for the nation’s development . The growth in air traffic, both domestic and international, has created a strong demand for more aircraft to support this expansion.

Focus on Expanding the Cargo Fleet

Saudia’s expansion is not limited to its passenger services. The airline is also significantly enhancing its cargo operations. Al-Shahrani stated that Saudia is keen on capitalizing on the ongoing cargo boom in Saudi Arabia, including the rise in air freight and rapidly growing e-commerce demand.

The airline will designate dedicated cargo spaces on its passenger aircraft to carry smaller items, addressing the increased demand for swift deliveries. With shipments now reaching customers within just a few days, Saudia’s role in global logistics is becoming increasingly critical.

Flyadeal’s Growth and Network Expansion

Flyadeal, Saudia’s low-cost subsidiary, is also set to see substantial growth. The airline plans to increase its fleet from 32 Airbus A320neo aircraft to over 100 by 2030, marking a significant leap in its ability to serve more routes. Flyadeal’s network will also expand dramatically, from 30 to over 100 destinations within the next six years.

This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes increasing the number of international and domestic passengers traveling to and from the Kingdom. Flyadeal’s growing fleet and network are central to this ambitious vision, making air travel more accessible and affordable to global travelers.

Saudia’s Aircraft Delivery Timeline

The delivery of Saudia’s new aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will continue through to 2032. This steady influx of new planes will help Saudia meet the increasing demand for air travel as it continues to expand its presence in both the passenger and cargo sectors.

This marks a pivotal moment in Saudi aviation, as the country works to position itself as a central hub for air travel in the Middle East and beyond. The Saudia Group’s continued investment in modern, energy-efficient aircraft demonstrates the airline’s commitment to sustainability and customer experience.

A Dynamic Aviation Landscape in Saudi Arabia

The recent developments in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector reflect the country’s strategic goals under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Alongside Saudia’s expansion, other major players like Riyadh Air and flynas are also making significant moves to strengthen their fleets.

Riyadh Air, for instance, announced in June 2024 that it would be purchasing 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role as a major player in the global aviation market . Meanwhile, flynas has ordered 280 new aircraft over seven years, marking one of the largest aviation deals in the region.

A Bright Future for Saudi Aviation and Tourism

Saudia’s expansion is not only a major milestone for the airline but also for Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. As more tourists flock to the Kingdom for both business and leisure, Saudia’s enhanced fleet will help accommodate this influx of travelers. The airline’s growth is aligned with the broader push to make Saudi Arabia a more accessible and attractive destination for global visitors.

Tourists from around the world will benefit from an expanded network of flights and enhanced services, making Saudi Arabia an even more appealing destination. With its ongoing investments in aviation infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a key global hub for air travel in the coming decades.

The post Saudia Airline Set to Expand with 12 New Passenger Aircraft by 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Mangaluru International Airport Launches Ultimate Winter Travel Experience With Bold, Game-Changing Flight Expansions To Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, And India

Mangaluru International Airport is set to elevate the winter travel experience with bold, game-changing flight expansions to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, and India. This strategic move is designed to meet the growing demand for winter travel by offering passengers increased connectivity and more frequent, convenient flight options to key international destinations. By expanding services to these major hubs, MIA is not only enhancing global connectivity but also supporting tourism and business travel, providing seamless and efficient travel experiences. This initiative positions MIA as a vital gateway for travelers, ensuring greater flexibility and access during the peak winter season.

Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), the second busiest airport in the state, is taking significant steps to enhance its flight operations with the launch of its winter schedule, starting this Sunday. This schedule, which will run through March 28, 2026, promises to provide increased connectivity and a wider range of travel options for passengers flying to and from the airport.

This expansion is part of MIA’s strategy to strengthen its position as a key gateway in the region, catering to the growing demand for air travel during the winter season. Two of the airport’s main carriers—one of India’s largest budget airlines and a major international carrier—are increasing their services, offering passengers more opportunities to travel both domestically and internationally.

The first major development comes from the airline, which has decided to expand its operations to New Delhi. The airline will be launching a second daily flight to the national capital, supplementing its existing services. The new service will run daily, departing Mangaluru at 12:30 pm and landing in New Delhi at 3:25 pm. The return flight will leave New Delhi at 4:15 pm and arrive back in Mangaluru at 7:10 pm. This additional flight service will help meet the increasing demand for travel between these two important cities and provide passengers with more flexibility when booking flights.

In addition to the second New Delhi service, the airline will be introducing three weekly direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram, starting Monday. This new route is a significant milestone for the airline, marking its first-ever service to Thiruvananthapuram from Mangaluru. The additional flights will open up new travel options for passengers, especially those looking to explore the southern parts of India. By offering direct connections to Thiruvananthapuram, the airline aims to provide passengers with faster and more convenient travel options.

On the international front, the airline has also announced an expansion of its services, offering more flights to key destinations in the Middle East. It will operate two daily flights to Dubai six days a week, with an additional flight every Tuesday. The airline will also run one daily flight to Abu Dhabi and five weekly flights to Dammam. Furthermore, the airline will provide services to other major destinations, such as Bahrain, Doha, Jeddah, and Kuwait, operating three times a week to each of these cities.

The airline’s decision to increase its weekly flights to Dammam and Doha by one each, and to add two more weekly flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jeddah, comes in response to the growing demand for air travel in these regions. By offering more frequent flights to these popular destinations, the airline hopes to make international travel more accessible for passengers, while also supporting the region’s tourism and business sectors.

The expansion of services from MIA is not limited to one airline. Another prominent carrier at the airport, also known for its wide domestic and international network, is ramping up its operations for the winter season. The airline will operate six daily flights to Bengaluru, a major hub for both business and leisure travelers, ensuring that passengers have ample options for flights between these two cities. In addition to Bengaluru, the airline will run three daily flights to Mumbai, two daily flights to Hyderabad, and one daily flight each to Delhi and Chennai. These expanded domestic services will cater to passengers looking for greater connectivity across major Indian cities, supporting both business and leisure travel.

On the international front, the airline is also increasing its presence. It will offer one daily flight to Abu Dhabi, catering to passengers looking to travel to the United Arab Emirates. In addition, the airline will be adding four weekly flights to Dubai, providing additional travel options for those heading to this bustling metropolis. With the growing demand for travel to and from the UAE, these expanded services will play a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity and meeting the rising needs of international passengers.

This strategic expansion of both domestic and international services from Mangaluru International Airport is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The increased frequency of flights will make it easier for tourists to visit the region, supporting the tourism sector and bringing in more international travelers. Additionally, the expansion of services to key destinations in the Middle East and other popular cities will help strengthen MIA’s position as a significant international hub, attracting more business travelers and further boosting regional connectivity.

Moreover, the added flights are expected to meet the increasing demand for air travel during the winter season, which is traditionally a peak travel time. The ability to offer more flights to popular destinations will also provide greater flexibility for passengers, making it easier for them to find flights that fit their schedules. As the winter season approaches, these changes to MIA’s flight operations will ensure that the airport is well-equipped to handle the influx of passengers, offering them the best possible travel experience.

Mangaluru International Airport is launching its ultimate winter travel experience with bold flight expansions to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, and India, aimed at meeting rising demand and enhancing connectivity for seamless travel during the peak season.

the winter schedule for Mangaluru International Airport is a promising development that will greatly benefit both local and international travelers. With increased domestic and international flight options, the airport is set to enhance connectivity, support tourism, and meet the growing demand for air travel. This expansion not only reflects the growing popularity of MIA as a travel hub but also underscores the airport’s commitment to providing passengers with more choices, better flexibility, and enhanced travel options throughout the winter season.

The post Mangaluru International Airport Launches Ultimate Winter Travel Experience With Bold, Game-Changing Flight Expansions To Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, And India appeared first on Travel And Tour World.