The state-run National News Agency reported on Tuesday that a Lufthansa plane was forced to return to Beirut International Airport after a flock of birds damaged one of its engines. The agency added that flight 1307, which took off from the airport at 4:48 a.m., was forced to return three minutes after departure. The pilot informed the airport authorities that he was returning to the facility after the plane faced a flock of birds while flying over the Mediterranean Sea. The engine incurred great damage and broke down, the agency added. The plane returned safely to the airport at 5:04 a.m. with its 148 passengers on board. It is currently undergoing maintenance operations at the airport, the agency concluded by saying.