‘NAIA bird strikes high’

MANILA, Philippines — Efforts to address the rising threat of bird strikes have intensified following last December’s plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The CAAP said bird strikes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) remain high, with 181 incidents recorded last year.

About 480 bird strike incidents have been recorded nationwide.

Birds are adapting to deterrence such as acoustic devices, methane-powered cannons and balloons with predators’ eyes, Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eric Ines said.

Pigeons’ erratic behavior has complicated efforts to clear them, with local governments being urged to enforce an eight-kilometer, no-pigeon-raising zone around airports.

A dumping ground near Cavite’s coastal road and NAIA has become a pseudo-sanctuary for migratory birds.

The CAAP is ramping up its wildlife hazard management program as migratory birds continue their seasonal routes.

A Jeju Air plane crashed on Dec. 29, 2024 in South Korea due to a reported bird strike. Two people survived.

Drug-free  workplace

Meanwhile, positive drug test cases among CAAP personnel decreased last year.

Five contractual security personnel tested positive for illegal drugs, CAAP information officer Bea Bernardo said.

About 2,474 personnel across 44 CAAP-operated airports underwent random drug testing last year.

Sixteen positive cases were recorded in 2023.