A Ryanair flight made an emergency landing in Rome today after it was struck by multiple bird-strike.
Passengers were evacuated via escape chutes from the plane which was later seen at the end of the runway with one of its engines resting on the tarmac.
Ryanair flight FR4102, which was carrying 166 passengers from Frankfurt, suffered multiple bird strikes on landing early this morning, the airline said.
"The left-hand main landing gear suffered substantial damage on landing, and is delaying the aircraft from being removed from the runway. As a result Rome Ciampino Airport is likely to remain closed for the rest of the day affecting all airlines. Ryanair flights from Rome Ciampino have been cancelled for the remainder of today," Ryanair said in a statement.
Eight passengers and two crew members were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Ryanair diverted flights to Rome's main airport, Fiumicino.
"We're not able to forecast when the airport will return to normal activity,'' Ciampino airport director Sergio Legnante said.
The damaged aircraft was examined by Ryanair engineers and the Italian Aviation Authority.
`"Passengers who were provided with refreshments and assistance have now left the airport. Passenger bags are now being removed from the aircraft and Flightcare Italia will contact customers regarding delivery," Ryanair said.
It said some alternative flight arrangements had been made for Ryanair flights to operate to/from Rome Fiumicino and these were outlined on its website.
"Ryanair sincerely apologises to all passengers affected by this incident and consequent disruption."