Flydubai aircraft heads for destination after engine fire extinguished

Fire is seen on a FlyDubai airplane after it takes off from Kathmandu airport in Nepal April 24, 2023 in this picture obtained from social media. @SubasTheOne/via REUTERS

KATHMANDU/DUBAI (Reuters) - A Flydubai flight from Kathmandu to Dubai experienced a bird strike during takeoff but is now heading to the United Arab Emirates, the company said on Monday.

Jagannath Niroula, spokesperson for Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said in a statement to Reuters an engine caught fire on the Flydubai Boeing 737-800 plane with 167 passengers on board, shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu and the fire had been brought under control.