Delhi Airport Controllers Order Dual Go-Arounds Following Eagle Sighting on Runway
In a swift response to a potential wildlife hazard, alert air traffic controllers at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Wednesday instructed two incoming aircraft to execute go-around maneuvers. This decisive action was triggered after the pilots of a third aircraft, which had just landed, reported spotting "an eagle very close during the landing roll."
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The sequence unfolded at 11:54 AM when an Air India Express flight, IX 1037, safely touched down on IGIA's runway 09, which is situated closest to the Dwarka side. Immediately after landing, the crew communicated the sighting of the large bird in close proximity during their landing roll. With two other flights—Air India's AI 1892 from Patna and IndiGo's 6E 2088 from Madurai—scheduled to land shortly thereafter, the air traffic control (ATC) team acted promptly.
"To avoid a potential bird strike, the air traffic control immediately asked them to go around. Both aircraft safely executed the maneuver and landed without incident on their second attempt," explained a senior ATC official. This procedure is standard protocol when bird activity is reported, with airports typically deploying measures like bursting crackers to disperse birds from the airfield.
Persistent Bird Hazard Challenges at Indian Airports
While IGIA has long grappled with significant bird activity, similar concerns plague other airports across India, including Ahmedabad. The risk escalates notably during and after monsoon rains. Waterlogged ground conditions force insects and worms to the surface, attracting a higher concentration of birds, thereby increasing the likelihood of hazardous encounters with aircraft.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has repeatedly highlighted this issue. In June 2022, the regulatory body convened a meeting with airport operators to address the ongoing menace of wildlife hazards, emphasizing that dirty surroundings and slaughterhouses near airports are primary attractants for birds. These factors contribute to bird strikes, which pose serious threats to aviation safety.
DGCA's Comprehensive Guidelines for Wildlife Management
Approximately four years ago, and again in 2022, the DGCA issued detailed directives to all airports, urging a review and strict implementation of wildlife hazard management plans. The authority specifically noted that "during monsoon season, wildlife activity increases in and around airports, posing a serious threat to aircraft operational safety."
The guidelines outline a two-pronged approach:
- Within Airport Premises:
- Regular grass trimming and insecticide spraying.
- Frequent runway inspections to monitor bird activities.
- Deployment of bird chasers and scaring devices.
- Ensuring proper garbage disposal in operational areas and preventing water accumulation.
- Outside Airport Vicinity:
- Convening Airport Environment Management Committee meetings to discuss mitigation strategies.
- Conducting frequent inspections to identify and eliminate attractants like garbage dumps and slaughterhouse waste.
- Coordinating with local authorities to enforce regulations within a 10-kilometer radius of airports.
Rules explicitly prohibit activities such as animal slaughter or improper garbage disposal near airports, as these can lead to increased bird activity and potential wildlife strikes during critical flight phases like approach and takeoff.
The DGCA has advised that airfield environment management committees, often headed by chief secretaries, should take proactive, time-bound measures to ensure no illegal slaughterhouses or garbage dumps exist in airport vicinities. This ongoing vigilance is crucial for maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety across India's bustling airport network.
