Southwest Airlines Flight Performs Emergency Return To Orlando Due To Bird Strike

A Southwest Airlines flight headed to Rochester International Airport (ROC) made an emergency return to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Tuesday, September 29, after striking a bird during departure. Flight 2821 landed safely, and an airport spokesperson said there were no reported injuries, according to FOX 35 Orlando. After landing, Southwest moved passengers to another aircraft to continue to Rochester, New York. In a statement, the airline said its pilots “followed procedure and landed the aircraft uneventfully” and praised the crew’s professionalism. The airline and airport have not said whether the plane was damaged or whether the event is under investigation. The incident adds to nationwide wildlife-strike reports tracked by the FAA, including 24,447 strikes in 2025.