Defunct aircraft clog Jinnah Airport junkyard

Bird nests, rats raise security and operational concerns

More than 25 non-operational aircraft belonging to various airlines remain parked at the junkyard of Jinnah International Airport, raising concerns over security, safety and airport operations, officials said.

Airport sources said several of the grounded aircraft have been stationary for years, with reports of birds nesting inside the planes and the presence of rats and other animals in the area. Officials warned that the situation poses risks to both security and the operational environment at the airport.

According to sources, around 20 of the grounded aircraft belong to Shaheen Air and have remained at the airport due to unresolved legal issues, preventing their removal.

In addition, seven non-operational aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) are also parked at the junkyard, with authorities considering options for their disposal.

Read: Karachi Airport's 'plane graveyard' attracts birds

Sources added that aircraft belonging to Air Indus, along with other foreign cargo and passenger planes, have also been parked at the airport for several years.

Officials say that the presence of old and grounded aircraft is contributing to environmental concerns, creating potential risks for airport operations. The airport authority has begun reviewing possible measures to remove the grounded aircraft and clear the junkyard to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the airport premises.

Plans are being prepared to fully clear the junkyard in the next phase by removing all non-operational aircraft, according to airport sources.

This had been reported last year as well, in August 2024.

According to sources, the Karachi Airport runway and tarmac area became a dumping ground for more than 30 defunct aircraft from various airlines over the years.

The situation began to stir concerns as more birds took up residence in these abandoned planes, creating the risk of dangerous incidents. Despite years of neglect, no decision had been reached to remove these planes from sensitive areas.