Bird strike threat looms over Thiruvananthapuram airport; experts warn of disaster

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A large flock of birds circling the flight path is posing a serious threat to Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Although bird activity is common around most airports in the country, pilots claim that the density of birds near the Thiruvananthapuram Airport is unusually high. The Airport Authority has repeatedly warned that if the bird population is not controlled, it could lead to a major disaster.

Recently, an Indigo flight to Bengaluru was delayed by 13 hours due to a bird strike. In the past month alone, there have been bird strikes involving five aircraft.

The airport employs contracted 'bird chasers' who use loud sounds to scare away birds when flights arrive. However, it is assessed that the birds have become used to the sound over the years and no longer fear it. The airport authorities had sent a letter to the government urging the immediate removal of nearby garbage heaps, which are a major attraction for birds. Open spaces near the airport walls and waste dumps from nearby meat shops are also drawing birds to the area.

Birds like eagles, pigeons, crows, cranes, and owls flock to the airport primarily to feed on meat waste, creating a threat to aircraft. Most of the waste dumping happens early in the morning — the same time when most flight operations are scheduled.

Regular bird strikes
As per regulations, only one bird strike is permissible for every ten thousand flights. However, nearly ten bird strikes occur every month at this airport. Bird strikes are considered highly dangerous, triggering multiple levels of investigation. To avoid this, pilots often refrain from officially reporting bird strikes.

According to aircraft rules, open slaughterhouses or meat shops are not allowed within a 10-kilometer radius of the airport. Legal action can be taken against violators.

Potential for disasters

• A bird strike can cause engine failure and even lead to fire.
• It can damage digital control systems, potentially leading to loss of control.
• An Oman Air flight once experienced a braking system failure after hitting an eagle.
• A Gulf Air flight to Bahrain had to return mid-flight due to a bird strike.
• A Singapore Airlines flight suffered severe mechanical damage from a bird strike.
• A Patna-Delhi flight caught fire shortly after a bird strike — a recent incident.

Risk to the city
Experts have warned at an Environmental Committee meeting that bird strikes are a danger not just to passengers but also to residents living in densely populated areas near the airport. Officials stressed that the issue should not be taken lightly and that its seriousness is only realized after an accident occurs.