U27008 - Incident: Easyjet Europe A320 at Southend on Oct 19th 2024

An Easyjet Europe Airbus A320-200, registration OE-IVT performing flight U2-7008 from Southend,EN (UK) to Malaga,SP (Spain), was climbing out of Southend's runway 23 when the crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet following a bird strike and decided to divert to London Gatwick,EN (UK) for a safe landing on runway 26L about 15 minutes after departure.

Ground observers reported very loud engine (CFM56) noises.

The airline reported the aircraft suffered a bird strike shortly after takeoff. All passengers disembarked at Gatwick, a replacement aircraft and crew are being arranged.