FedEx plane makes emergency landing at Newark Airport after bird strike

A FedEx cargo plane struck a bird Saturday as it took off from Newark Airport near New York, causing a fire in its right engine which forced it to make an emergency landing, according to local and federal officials.

FedEx Express Flight 3609, a Boeing 767, was taking off at 8 a.m. for a flight to Indianapolis when it struck at least one bird. Footage from witnesses on the ground showed flames shooting out of the engine.

The plane immediately turned around and declared an emergency, with air traffic at Newark briefly halted as a precaution, according to a Port Authority spokesperson. The plane landed safely at 8:07 a.m. and was met by emergency services.

The fire was quickly extinguished and there were no reports of injuries.

“Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark after dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire,” a FedEx spokesperson told BNO News. “The training, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by our FedEx pilots was exemplary. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.”

Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), confirmed that one of the engines was damaged by the bird strike. “The plane is disabled on a runway,” he said, adding that the FAA will investigate the incident.

WATCH: FedEx Flight 3609 makes emergency landing at Newark Airport after engine catches fire pic.twitter.com/K2uyWF1v5o

— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) March 1, 2025