Mattannur (Kannur): An Air India Express flight bound for Abu Dhabi was forced to return to Kannur International Airport on Sunday following a bird strike, officials said.

The aircraft, which departed at 6.30 am with about 180 passengers on board, returned after 45 minutes in the air. A security inspection was carried out after the landing, and the plane was moved to the airport bay. Authorities confirmed there was no damage to the aircraft.

Passengers will be flown to Abu Dhabi on a Sharjah–Kannur service, airport officials said.