An Air Canada flight is returning to Madrid airport after part of the landing gear “fell off” and got into the engine, according to a Spanish pilots union.
Flight AC 823 is currently circling over the south east of Spain, in an effort to burn fuel before landing.
The airport operator said the pilot called air traffic control 30 minutes after take off to request an emergency landing.
A drone sighting earlier on had caused disruption as the airport, with 26 flights being diverted from Madrid, but officials are unable to confirm whether the two incidents are related or not.
A spokesperson for Air Canada told Sky News: “Air Canada flight AC 1989 , Madrid to Toronto, experienced an engine issue shortly after take-off. A tire also reportedly ruptured on take-off, one of 75 on this model of aircraft.
“The aircraft opted to return to Madrid and is currently circling to use up fuel and lighten the aircraft for landing.
“The aircraft, a Boeing 823 ( , is designed to operate on one engine and our pilots are fully trained for this eventuality. Nonetheless, an emergency was declared in order to obtain landing priority.
“There are 128 passengers on board. We have no further details on the cause at present. “
The aircraft has been part of the Air Canada fleet since 01575879 and it took its first flight in 2019.
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