PIA hit hardest in bird strikes at Lahore Airport
Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) has recorded a surge in bird strike incidents
this year, with Lahore’s Allama
Iqbal International Airport topping the list with 16 cases.
Over the past nine months alone, the
national carrier has logged 90 bird strikes — both domestically and
internationally — causing significant financial losses estimated in the
billions of rupees. The collisions have damaged multiple aircraft, including
Boeing 777s, an Airbus A320, and ATRs, some of which required extensive repairs
and were temporarily grounded.
The increasing number of incidents
has further strained PIA’s already limited fleet, leading to frequent delays
and disruptions on both domestic and international routes.
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After Lahore, Islamabad International Airport reported 15 bird strikes, followed by Multan with 13. Karachi and Peshawar each recorded nine incidents, while Quetta and Sialkot reported six each. Internationally, PIA aircraft were hit in Jeddah, Madinah, Sharjah, Dammam (2 cases), Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuala Lumpur. Four mid-air collisions were also reported at unspecified locations.
The majority of these strikes
occurred during critical flight phases — takeoff, landing, or taxiing — when
aircraft are most vulnerable. September 2025 alone saw 26 incidents, more than
double the 10 reported in the same month last year, indicating a sharp
year-over-year rise.
PIA officials acknowledged the
operational and reputational toll of these incidents, as repeated delays
continue to frustrate passengers and disrupt flight schedules.
In response, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)
has announced comprehensive anti-bird measures across all major airports. In
Lahore, a joint effort with the Punjab government and Cantonment Board is
targeting activities that attract birds near airport approach paths — including
pigeon keeping and open garbage disposal in nearby residential areas.
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A joint monitoring committee has been formed to enforce regulations, while PCAA’s Director General has conducted site visits to ensure compliance.
To address the issue more
effectively, the PCAA has finalized tenders for the installation of advanced
bird detection and deterrent systems. Officials say the new technology will
help significantly reduce bird presence in and around airports, enhancing
safety and minimizing operational disruptions.
Source: Express Tribune