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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Alexandra Sims

Heathrow drone strike: British Airways jet carrying 132 passengers lands safely after being hit by suspected drone

A British Airways flight has been struck by a suspected drone as it began to land at Heathrow Airport.

Aviation police are investigating reports, made by the aircraft's pilot, that a plane travelling from Geneva, Switzerland was hit as came into the London airport at around 12:50pm on Sunday.

Flight BA727 landed at Heathrow Terminal 5 safely with 132 passengers and five crew on board, police said.

British Airways said the Airbus A320 was examined by engineers and cleared to take off for its next flight following the incident.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "A pilot on an inbound flight into Heathrow Airport from Geneva reported to police that he believed a drone had struck the aircraft.

“It transpired that an object, believed to be a drone, had struck the front of the aircraft.”

No arrests have been made and inquiries continue

British Airways said in a statement: "Our aircraft landed safely, was fully examined by our engineers and it was cleared to operate its next flight.

“Safety and security are always our first priority and we will give the police every assistance with their investigation."

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