Following a deadly bird strike in South Korea, the Philippines is stepping up efforts to prevent similar tragedies at its airports. Bird strikes remain a significant concern, with hundreds of incidents reported nationwide in 2024.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines ( CAAP ) has intensified efforts to prevent bird strikes in airports nationwide following the airliner crash in South Korea in December, which was blamed on a bird strike. Bird strikes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport remain alarmingly high, with 181 incidents recorded in 2024. While CAAP has introduced various measures, like dispersal tools and habitat control, long-term solutions are still needed, officials said.
Caap reported that there were 480 bird strikes nationwide in 2024, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem. CAAP and the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) are actively working to mitigate these hazards. Birds often gather near grassy airport areas, drawn to insects, lizards, and frogs from drainage systems. When sucked into aircraft engines, these birds pose a significant threat. Caap General Manager Eric Ines said that deterrent measures such as acoustic devices, methane-powered cannons, and balloons with predator eyes have been deployed. However, birds eventually adapt, reducing the effectiveness of these methods. Pigeons, in particular, present a unique challenge. Their erratic behavior complicates efforts to clear them from airport vicinities. To address this, local governments are urged to enforce the eight-kilometer “no-pigeon-raising zone” around airports. Also a significant concern is the controversial bird sanctuary near Cavite’s coastal road, close to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). Originally a reclaimed site, the area became a pseudo-sanctuary for migratory birds after it was used as a dumpsite. Aviation experts have questioned its designation, noting its artificial origins and the heightened aviation risks it poses. The Philippines, located along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, welcomes over 150 migratory bird species annually, but critics argue that conservation efforts should not endanger human lives. The bird strike issue gained urgency following the Jeju Air crash in South Korea, which underscored the global impact of bird strikes. Aviation experts warn that bird strikes not only jeopardize safety but also result in billions of dollars in damages annually, with engines being most vulnerable. As migratory birds continue their seasonal routes, CAAP is ramping up its Wildlife Hazard Management Program. However, balancing aviation safety with environmental conservation remains a pressing challenge for Philippine authorities
BIRD STRIKES AVIATION SAFETY WILDLIFE HAZARD CAAP PHILIPPINES
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