Uganda Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Johannesburg after cockpit window breaks mid-air

A Uganda Airlines flight made an emergency return to O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Friday morning after one of the windscreens in the flight deck suddenly shattered shortly after take-off. 

The cause of the heart-stopping incident remains unclear, though it has not been ruled out that a bird strike or other external factor could have been involved. 

The airline had not released an official statement by the time of reporting.

The flight was captained by senior pilot Tonny Tebajanga, who quickly assessed the situation and calmly executed an emergency return to the airport. 

The harrowing incident was narrated by Mr Simon Kaheru, Chairman of the National Strategic Communication Committee (NSCC), who was on board the flight.

He expressed his gratitude for the pilot's calm professionalism. "Grateful to God and the calm competency and professionalism of Capt. Tonny Tebajanga," Mr Kaheru said. 

"In a freak incident mid-air, one half of the windscreen of the plane shattered. Capt. Tebajanga quietly and steadily handled the situation, even though some of us could tell things were not right, and flew us back to Johannesburg."

Mr Kaheru also extended praise to the cabin crew, who remained composed throughout the emergency, following behind-the-scenes instructions and protocols despite being slightly shaken at times.

"Kudos too is due to the cabin crew, who were composed as well even though slightly shaken at points, as they followed the behind-the-scenes instructions and protocols. Cat Tabejanga saved MANY lives today.”

Uganda Airlines operates daily flights to Johannesburg.

The aircraft involved in the incident is a 9-year-old Airbus A320-200, which Uganda Airlines leases from Lithuanian airline DAT to supplement its current fleet, which includes four CRJ900LRs and two A330-800Ns. 

This is the most serious incident that the airline has recorded since its restoration in 2019.