Pilot's quick response saves plane from bird strike in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Kuwait Airways flight safely landed at Thiruvananthapuram Airport despite hitting a bird during touchdown, thanks to the pilot's prompt action.

The incident occurred early Thursday morning when the aircraft was about to land on the runway at Thiruvananthapuram airport. A bird hit the plane just seconds before landing, but the pilot’s quick and skilful response ensured the aircraft landed safely without losing control.

Since it was a serious incident, the pilot immediately reported the bird strike, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will conduct an investigation based on the report.

Bird strikes on the rise

In the past week alone, birds have approached several flights. including those of Air India, IndiGo, and Maldivian Airlines, while landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport.

In one incident, a bird hit the wing of an IndiGo aircraft and fell outside the airport. As flocks of birds circled the area, several flights faced difficulty in landing.

Although there are systems in place to scare away birds from the runway using firecrackers, there are still no effective measures to drive away birds flying above or around the runway, officials said.