The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been unable to curb the growing number of bird strikes on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) planes, with 83 incidents reported in the first nine months of 2024, a significant increase despite measures to prevent them.
According to a report compiled by PIA, incidents of birds colliding with planes have caused severe damage, including engine failures, and have cost the airline millions in damages.
The report highlights that Lahore Airport recorded the highest number of bird strike incidents, with 23 cases, followed by 15 each at Karachi and Islamabad airports. Multan reported 12 incidents, Faisalabad 6, and Quetta 3. Notably, PIA also experienced bird strikes at international airports in Madinah, Jeddah, and Dubai.
Despite the presence of bird shooters at major airports, the problem persists. The spokesperson for the CAA explained that bird populations and food centres near airports, especially in Lahore, are contributing to the rise in incidents. Efforts to coordinate with housing societies and local governments to address these issues have so far been unsuccessful.
In addition to financial losses, the bird strikes have caused significant delays, leaving passengers stranded for hours, a PIA spokesperson added. The CAA maintains that it is working to mitigate the problem and prevent further incidents in the future.