A320
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 234; Flight Crew Total 17510; Flight Crew Type 14099
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
Multiple bird strikes perceived in both engines shortly after takeoff with immediate return to [departure airport].  All preflight and taxi operations completed without comment. The Captain was the Pilot Flying. Initial climb was unremarkable until at approximately reaching the thrust reduction altitude of 900 feet MSL. At that time several large white streaks were observed in the aircraft lights by both the PF (Pilot Flying) and PM (Pilot Monitoring) on both sides of the aircraft's flight path. Very rapidly thereafter multiple impact sounds were heard and the PF observed roll back indications on both engines. The PF estimated that the left engine rolled back approximately 4-5% N1 and the right engine approximately 9-10% N1. A noticeable physical reduction in thrust occurred; perceived as smooth and symmetric with no apparent yawing moment; for approximately 1 second with both engines recovering to and stabilizing at usable climb thrust. No ECAMS; besides previously unrelated deferral; were presented as a consequence of the bird strike. At no time during the event flight were any abnormal ECAMs displayed.Aircraft cleanup and after takeoff checklist were accomplished. An immediate halt to the climb was coordinated with ATC and accomplished for a level off at 3000 feet. Coordination with ATC Departure Control [was established] for an immediate return to the most immediately available runway. With both engines stable at usable thrust and no other ECAMS being presented on the aircraft systems the flight crew proceeded with the approach briefing; descent checklist; and flight attendant and cabin PA briefings. There were no other available environmental indications of the bird strike such as unusual cockpit/cabin smells or aircraft system degradations.  Aircraft systems were set up and confirmed for the return to departure airport. A downwind pattern at 3000 feet was flown under the control of Departure Control. ATC hand off was given to Tower once the airport environment was in sight after a turn to the northwest. Clearance for a visual approach was authorized by Tower and a descent to 2000 feet to commence the approach starting at a 5 mile final.The aircraft navigation system was reset for the return. Approach and landing were accomplished following and within normal SOP and stabilized approach parameters. The landing runway was cleared without comment and the aircraft taxied to the assigned return gate without further incident. Emergency response crews followed the aircraft until gate arrival was completed. Local Maintenance was contacted to report the aircraft condition and the aircraft was turned over to Maintenance. The passengers were deplaned for rerouting with customer service.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
A320 flight crew reported returning to departure airport after experiencing multiple bird strikes in both engines.