A Malawian Airlines aircraft destined for Johannesburg,South Africa had to make a u-turn to Kamuzu International Airport barely a few minutes after take off following a ‘bird clash’,

Malawi Airlines Spokesperson Joseph Josiah confirmed of the development in an interview with the press.

The plane, which left at 8:10 am returned to the base after 25 minutes.

Josiah said that the plane has damaged blades in one of the engines.

He said the company had called for spare parts from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and that they hope to repair the plane today so that it goes to South Africa.