• Southwest Airlines claims bird strikes caused engine malfunctions on flight to Fort Lauderdale.
• But does not have more details.
• Passengers and crew then took a bus to the terminal.

A Southwest Airlines flight headed for Fort Lauderdale was forced to return to Havana, Cuba, due to what the airline claims were bird strikes.

Southwest claimed in a statement to Media on Sunday that the aircraft had experienced bird strikes.

“Southwest flight #3923 departing Havana, Cuba, for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday morning reportedly experienced bird strikes to an engine and the aircraft’s nose shortly after takeoff,” the statement said. “The pilots safely returned to Havana where customers evacuated the aircraft via slides due to the observation of smoke in the cabin.”

Passengers and crew then took a bus to the terminal and arrangements were made for the flight to Fort Lauderdale, according to Southwest.

“We commend the swift, professional actions of our pilots and flight attendants in responding to this event. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and have reached out to address their needs and offer support,” Southwest said in the statement.

State-run media in Cuba According to the Cuban Aviation Company SA, the aircraft “detected malfunctions in one of its engines during the takeoff procedure.” Radio Rebelde reported this.

State-run media in Cuba According to the Cuban Aviation Company SA, the aircraft “detected malfunctions in one of its engines during the takeoff procedure.” Radio Rebelde reported this.

“CACSA indicated that the causes that originated said event are being investigated and highlighted that, at this time, the airport facility maintains its regular operations,” Radio Rebelde said.

A Southwest spokeswoman responded to Media inquiry over the alleged engine failures by saying that the company will “examine the aircraft to assess the damage but does not have more specifics to offer at this time.”

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