Karachi Airport junkyard faces safety and security issues due to grounded planes
More than 25 non-operational aircraft from
multiple airlines remain abandoned at the junkyard of Jinnah International Airport,
sparking serious concerns about security, safety, and airport operations,
officials have said.
According to airport sources, many of the
grounded planes have been parked for years and have deteriorated significantly.
Birds have reportedly nested inside several aircraft, while rats and other
animals are frequently seen in the area, creating potential hazards for both
security and flight operations.
Sources revealed that approximately 20 of the
idle aircraft belong to Shaheen
Air and remain at the airport due to unresolved legal disputes, which have
so far prevented their removal. In addition, seven grounded aircraft operated
by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) are also stationed at the site, with
authorities currently weighing options for their disposal.
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Aircraft belonging to the now-defunct Air
Indus, along with several foreign cargo and passenger planes, have likewise
been parked at the airport for extended periods, further adding to the
congestion.
Officials warned that the continued presence
of abandoned aircraft poses environmental and operational risks, particularly
as bird activity around the planes increases the threat of bird strikes. In
response, the airport authority has begun reviewing measures to remove the
grounded aircraft and clear the junkyard to improve safety and cleanliness.
Airport sources said plans are being developed
to completely clear the junkyard in the next phase by relocating or dismantling
all non-operational aircraft.
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The
issue is not new and was also reported in August 2024. Over the years, more
than 30 defunct aircraft from various airlines have effectively turned parts of
Karachi airport’s runway and tarmac areas into dumping grounds. Despite
long-standing concerns, no decisive action had been taken until recently,
allowing the situation to persist in sensitive operational zones.
Source: Express
Tribune