38 PIA aircraft hit by birds in six months

KARACHI:

In the first six months of this year, 38 aircraft of the PIA collided with birds during domestic and international flights.

According to sources, the bird strike incidents occurred in Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Sukkur, Jeddah, and Dubai airports. The affected aircraft included 31 Airbus A320s and 3 Boeing 777s.

The sources reported that five of the planes sustained damage, while 35 remained unharmed.

The highest number of bird strikes occurred at Lahore Airport, with 14 incidents, followed by Islamabad with seven, Multan with four, Sukkur with one, Faisalabad with one, Gilgit with one, Jeddah with one, and Dubai Airport with one.

Most of these bird strike incidents happened during takeoff, landing, and approach.

Alleged administrative negligence by the Civil Aviation Authority has resulted in an increased presence of birds at the country's airports. The sources said the CAA has failed to install modern equipment designed at airports to keep birds away from runways.

Bird strikes, the collision between birds and aircraft, are a significant aviation safety concern. These incidents often occur during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff, landing, and approach, where the aircraft is closer to the ground and more likely to encounter birds.

The impact of a bird strike can range from minor damage to severe consequences, such as engine failure or structural damage, potentially endangering the lives of passengers and crew.

In recent years, the rise in bird strikes has prompted aviation authorities worldwide to enhance safety measures at airports, including habitat management, bird deterrent systems.