Birds collide with planes 36 times a year at Coimbatore airport: 20 rabbits caught every 2 months

District administration and Corporation take measures to prevent bird collisions with aircraft at Coimbatore International Airport.


Even as Coimbatore International Airport serves people of the surrounding seven districts including Coimbatore, an average of 33 flights are operated daily, including the domestic and international sectors. The number of flights operated daily had also dropped significantly since the spread of the Covid pandemic. After two years, the Airport is now returning to normalcy with 22 flights being operated daily.

It is customary for airport staff to chase away birds each time planes land and depart. The district administration, in collaboration with the Corporation, is taking steps to prevent dumping waste in all four directions behind the airport perimeter. However, incidents of birds colliding with planes at Coimbatore airport continue to be a menace. The sewer near the Sitra bus stop is cited as the main cause of the problem. The airport management is also said to be working to resolve the issue.

Coimbatore International Airport officials say, "Birds collide with planes at least 3 times a month. Six crew are on hand to chase away birds, dogs and rabbits, even as planes take off and land. The crew is provided with a 'Zone Gun' specially made to repel birds. Measures are being taken to prevent the dumping of meat waste in the vicinity of the airport. However, the large sewer canal located in the Sitra area continues to be the main cause of birds colliding with the planes. We have brought this matter to the notice of the District Collector. The district administration, in collaboration with the Corporation, has decided to clean the sewer area in the Sitra area and take necessary action so that air traffic is not disturbed by the birds.

Apart from birds, rabbits also roam the airport premises. Trapping of rabbits is done once in two months. 20 rabbits are caught each time this task is carried out. They are then transported into the dense forest every single time. All security measures required for the safe landing and departure of aircraft are being carried out by the airport management. So passengers need not have any fear," assured airport officials.

Coimbatore Corporation Vaccinates 700 Street Dogs Against Rabies

Coimbatore Corporation conducted a special vaccination camp in West and East zones where 700 street dogs were vaccinated...

Coimbatore Corporation Census 2027 Reaches 90 percent Completion; ICCC Helpline Numbers Announced for Missed Houses

The first phase of House Listing Census 2027 in Coimbatore Corporation areas has reached 90 percent completion. ICCC hel...

Amaravathi Dam Water Level Rises to 57.52 Feet; Thirumoorthy Dam Records 33.79 Feet

The water level in Amaravathi dam in Tiruppur district has risen to 57.52 feet due to continuous inflow. Thirumoorthy da...

Coimbatore District Dams See Water Level Surge: August 22 Update

Water inflow has significantly increased in Aliyar, Parambikulam, and Sholayar dams in Coimbatore district due to southw...

21 kg of Ganja Seized in Kovilpalayam; Repeat Offender Arrested

Coimbatore District Police seized around 21 kg of ganja during a vehicle check in the Kovilpalayam police station limits...

Coimbatore Corporation Launches Pilot Project to Collect and Recycle Household Textile Waste

The Coimbatore Corporation has launched “Maru Nesavu” (Re-weave), a pilot project in Ward 33 to enable residents to hand...