A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Hainan Airlines was forced to make an emergency return to Rome's Fiumicino Airport on Sunday following an engine problem shortly after takeoff. The flight, which was en route to Shenzhen, China, departed at 9:55 am local time with 246 passengers and 16 crew members on board.

Initial reports suggest that the engine issue may have been caused by a potential bird strike, occurring just minutes into the flight. Videos shared by local media captured alarming scenes of flames emanating from the aircraft's right engine prior to its safe landing back at the airport.

A spokesman for ADR, the operator of Rome's airports, confirmed that investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the engine malfunction. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.