Stray dog incursions on Leh airport runway, bird hit threats causing concern among IAF & civil flight operators

Faced with the serious threat of bird strikes and stray dog incursions on the runway of the Leh (Ladakh) airport, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and civil flight operators have stressed the need to install bird spikes on the airport buildings and make the area garbage-free.

A comprehensive meeting of the Aerospace Safety Section was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Leh, Sonam Nurboo.

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The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation by Wing Commander S. Gokula Krishnan, Flight Safety Officer, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 21 Wing, Air Force Station Leh, officials said.

His presentation highlighted key safety concerns, including garbage accumulation near the airport, runway incursions caused by stray dogs, and an action plan to reduce bird strikes.

Wg Cdr Krishnan stressed that bird strikes have become one of the most serious threats to safe aircraft operations. He noted that the rise in bird activity near the airfield is closely linked to the presence of open garbage dumps and improper waste disposal practices around airport premises.

He also outlined pending issues such as waste management, updating the Disabled Aircraft Recovery Plan (DARP), identification of obstructions, and new agenda points such as unauthorised parking of vehicles and photography in the funnel approach area and construction of high-rise buildings in the vicinity of the airfield.

He urged strict and immediate action to eliminate open dumping sites to minimise bird movement in the aerospace zone.
Another concern discussed was the increasing population of stray dogs inside airport premises, which has led to repeated runway incursions.

Wing Commander Krishnan urged the district administration to take necessary measures to resolve garbage-related issues, runway safety concerns, and other critical matters.

He also exhorted representatives of SpiceJet and Air India to update their respective safety and operational plans.
Addressing the meeting, ADDC Leh, Sonam Nurboo, instructed departmental officers to thoroughly note down the issues faced by the airfield due to their respective sectors and ensure timely resolution.

He emphasised the need for regular Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) meetings and close coordination among all stakeholders.