CAAB must prevent bird strikes to ensure flight safety

We are concerned about the rising incidents of bird strikes at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) that have often resulted in flight cancellations, aircraft damage, and even crash landings. On May 20, a Turkish Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a bird strike ignited its second engine shortly after takeoff. Thankfully, all 11 crew members and 280 passengers aboard the Istanbul-bound flight remained unharmed. Reportedly, the dense bushes in the airport area are good habitats for grasshoppers and butterflies, which attract different types of birds. The presence of waste collection centres and landfills near the airport also attracts birds, particularly black kites, posing significant risks to flight safety.

Unfortunately, while flight safety officials from various airlines have called on the authorities to take proper action to address the threat, the latter have been unable to do so effectively. Bird strikes are a common phenomenon at airports around the world, but HSIA seems particularly prone to it. In 2023, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight on the Dhaka-Bangkok route had to abandon takeoff after a bird strike caused one of its tyres to burst. The same year, a Fly Dubai flight aborted takeoff after a bird strike on its left engine damaged three propeller blades.

Such incidents continue to happen. According to a research paper presented at a recent workshop, 10 major bird strike incidents occurred at HSIA between May 2023 and May 2024. International Air Transport Association data shows that from January 2023 to October 2024, HSIA recorded 1.73 bird strikes per 1,000 flights, compared to just 0.5 at other international airports.

Such incidents continue to happen. According to a research paper presented at a recent workshop, 10 major bird strike incidents occurred at HSIA between May 2023 and May 2024. International Air Transport Association data shows that from January 2023 to October 2024, HSIA recorded 1.73 bird strikes per 1,000 flights, compared to just 0.5 at other international airports. The situation is clearly concerning, and must be addressed before a major accident occurs.

We urge the authorities to take all necessary measures to deter birds in and around the airport. Airports across the globe use both modern and conventional technologies to drive birds away from key aviation installations. Our airport authorities must learn from their experiences. Reportedly, HSIA has two bird shooters and some equipment—machines that emit certain frequencies to deter birds, as well as gas cannons—which should be properly utilised. Most importantly, the hundreds of open garbage spots surrounding the airport must be removed. Airport authorities must coordinate with relevant agencies to encourage birds to seek alternative nesting and feeding grounds to ensure flight safety.