Multiple incidents of bird strikes near Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have sparked safety concerns for aircraft operations. The presence of water bodies, discarded food, and green grass around the airport attracts large flocks of birds, especially during the winter season, increasing the risk of such incidents.

Over the past four years, at least seven aircraft, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ modern Dreamliners, and foreign carriers like US-Bangla, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, have been damaged by bird strikes. In August this year, a bird strike caused technical issues for a Biman flight during landing at Syedpur Airport, delaying operations.

Pilots and airlines have expressed frustration over the inefficiency of bird control measures. Despite the deployment of bird shooters and deterrent devices, bird activity persists near the runways, posing a significant risk to engines and passenger safety.

Group Captain Md Kamrul Islam, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said that both active and passive bird control measures are in place, including sound repellers, laser devices, and continuous monitoring. 

He emphasized the long-term efforts to identify and divert bird sources, such as water bodies and food waste sites, to minimize risks.

The aviation community remains concerned about the lack of effective accountability and monitoring, urging better management to ensure safe flight operations.

Source: Kaler Kantho

BDST: 1241 HRS, DEC 30, 2024
MSK