This is the incredible moment when a flock of birds collides with a plane approaching the airport, hitting its nose before being sent flying in all directions.

Dramatic footage shows Air China Flight CA4539 descending towards the runway at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport in Fujian Province, China, on December 5, when it came into contact with the flock.

The creatures bounced off the aircraft and disappeared from view, with most apparently killed by the impact.

Aviation expert Captain Chen Jianguo said that bird strikes are a common threat to flight safety and can even bring down a plane if they strike its engines.

Captain Chen added: 'In this case, the flock hit the nose, reducing the risk to the aircraft.'

Authorities reported that there was no damage to the aeroplane, and it landed safely at 12:43 pm without causing delays or disruptions.