CAAM chief executive officer Norazman Mahmud said the increasing number of flights has raised the likelihood of more bird strikes.
PETALING JAYA: A jump of 45% in the number of bird strikes at Malaysia’s airports has prompted the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to issue a safety alert calling for aerodrome managers to increase awareness of the hazard.
CAAM chief executive officer Norazman Mahmud said 66 bird strike incidents have occurred at various airports across the country in the first quarter of this year, compared with 47 in 2023.
Norazman Mahmud.
“This period saw a notable increase of nearly 45%, compared with the same period in 2023. Bird hazards occur when aircraft come into contact with birds during take-off, landing, or in flight.
“There is a need to enhance bird hazard awareness among all personnel from aerodrome management to ground staff, airport operators and air traffic controllers.
“This will ensure a coordinated and proactive approach to prevention,” he said in the safety alert sighted by FMT.
With the number of flights increasing, the likelihood of more bird strikes has also risen, he said.
To address the matter, airport operators are being encouraged to develop comprehensive training programmes to update staff on current insights into bird behaviour, identification techniques and proper reporting procedures.
Norazman said airport authorities should foster partnerships with local wildlife management agencies to adopt best practices in bird control and habitat management.
He also asked them to explore the use of modern technologies, such as radar systems, deterrent lasers and acoustic devices to detect birds and deter them from coming near aerodromes.
“Continuous research and development in this field can lead to more effective bird control methods,” he added.
He said the presence of birds in aerodromes has affected flights significantly, resulting in aborted take-offs and landings, high-speed emergency stops and aircraft leaving paved areas to avoid collision.
Norazman said enhancing bird hazard awareness at aerodromes was of paramount importance to safeguarding aircraft, passengers and personnel.
“Embracing a proactive stance towards bird hazard awareness is key to fostering safer skies and ensuring the resilience of the aviation industry,” he said.
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