Southwest flight returns to Cuba after bird strike smoke fills cabin

HAVANA, Cuba – A Florida-bound Southwest flight returned to Cuba on Sunday after birds collided with the plane, filling the cabin with smoke.

The airline said the incident occurred aboard Southwest Flight 3923, flying from Havana, Cuba to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the morning.

Shortly after takeoff, pilots reported multiple bird collisions with the aircraft’s engine and nose.

The plane returned to Cuba, where passengers were evacuated through the ladders due to smoke in the cabin.

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The crew and passengers were taken to the terminal by bus and will be sent on another flight, the company told FOX.

“We appreciate the prompt and professional response of our pilots and cabin crew to this event,” the airline said in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and have extended a helping hand to meet their needs and offer support.”

This story was reported from Los Angeles.