Allegiant flight returns to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport after bird stri...

Allegiant flight returns to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport after bird strike

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — Scary moments for passengers of an Allegiant flight after a bird strike shortly after takeoff at Mesa Gateway Airport Saturday. Allegiant flight #694 from Mesa to Wichita, Kansas, departed at 3:28 p.m. and shortly returned to the airport after a bird strike, officials with the airline confirmed. The flight landed safely and taxied to the gate “under its own power,” Allegiant officials said. Passengers deplaned and are being put on another plane to continue their travels, officials said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our passengers. The aircraft will be inspected by maintenance before it is returned to service in accordance with standard operating procedures,” a statement from Allegiant Media Relations said. The company said the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its “highest priority.” See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it . Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description. Copyright 2026 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.