Overview

• Flight AA2035 bound for San Francisco struck multiple birds shortly after its 6:57 a.m. departure from Philadelphia and landed back at PHL around 7:30 a.m., according to the FAA and FlightAware.
• American Airlines said the aircraft taxied to a gate and customers deplaned normally with no injuries reported.
• Passengers were accommodated on a replacement flight that departed Philadelphia at 9:55 a.m. local time for San Francisco.
• The FAA opened an investigation into the reported strikes, and American Airlines confirmed maintenance teams will inspect the grounded jet.
• FAA data show about 19,400 wildlife strikes were reported at 713 U.S. airports in 2023, with most occurring July through October during daylight, driven by factors such as growing wildlife populations and quieter, faster aircraft.