Over 30 unused aeroplanes at Karachi Airport turn into bird sanctuaries

More than 30 derelict aircraft at Karachi Airport have turned into scrap, becoming havens for birds, and many parts of these planes have also been disappeared. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, a dispute over the General Declaration (GD) has caused dozens of aircraft, including those of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to remain grounded at the airport for years.

Among these, PIA has 13 non-functional aircraft, including Airbus 310s and two Jumbo 747s. 

The sources said customs officials have demanded GDs for PIA's aircraft, but the national airline's authorities did not provide it and due to the non-provision of GD, customs authorities did not issue the No Objection Certificates (NOCs). 

This withholding of NOCs by customs is causing PIA to incur losses worth millions of rupees, as the process to remove these planes from the airport can only commence once the relevant NOCs are issued.

A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) mentioned that three aircraft have already been removed from the airport. 

The CAA is in contact with all stakeholders and is providing every possible assistance. 

Measures are being taken to keep birds away from sensitive areas of the airport.

Sources indicated that GDs have been requested from Shaheen Air and other foreign airlines as well.

Reporter: Saeed Ahmad Saeed