Overview

• The Spanish Air Force said the pilot executed a rapid evasive roll to avoid a flock of birds as part of its standard safety protocol.
• Viral videos showed the EF-18 Hornet flying perilously close to spectators on San Lorenzo Beach during the July 27 Gijón Air Festival before recovering altitude.
• The air show continued on schedule without any reported injuries or equipment damage.
• Officials commended aviator training, emphasizing that pilots are trained to react in milliseconds to unforeseen hazards.
• The incident has prompted fresh reviews of bird-strike protocols, with a focus on risk management at low-altitude airshows.