Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is battling an ongoing aviation hazard that’s growing in frequency: bird strikes. The airline has recorded 102 PIA bird strike incidents in 2024 alone, and the numbers show no sign of slowing down in 2025.
As the Eidul Adha season approaches, a time when animal waste often piles up in urban areas, PIA has issued a serious advisory to the public: improper disposal of sacrificial remains near airports could put hundreds of lives at risk.
The national carrier’s fleet, especially its Airbus A320 aircraft, remains most vulnerable. In 2024, A320s were involved in 85 of the total 102 incidents. Nine aircraft suffered direct damage, forcing costly repairs and operational delays. Boeing 777s have also faced growing risks, with 10 such cases already reported in the first five months of 2025.
Lahore Airport saw the highest number of bird strikes in 2024, with 28 reported incidents. Islamabad followed with 18, and Karachi reported 17. Multan and Faisalabad were not far behind, with 14 and 6 cases respectively. The trend continues into 2025, with 25 new PIA bird strike incidents already recorded between January and May.
The warm season appears to be particularly risky, with April 2025 alone witnessing 7 bird strikes. PIA warns that Eid festivities often worsen the threat as animal waste is left exposed, attracting birds to airport areas.
In a public message, the airline urged citizens to dispose of animal offal responsibly — and only at designated government-approved collection points. “A moment of negligence can lead to a major aviation tragedy,” a PIA spokesperson said.
While bird strikes are a global aviation challenge, Pakistan’s urban sprawl and lax waste management make it worse. The costs of these incidents run into thousands of dollars, straining PIA’s already struggling finances and compromising passenger safety.
PIA continues to stress that the public’s cooperation, especially during Eid, is vital in minimizing PIA bird strike incidents. It’s not just about flight delays or financial loss, it’s about saving lives.
Also, see:
PTA Issues SIM Registration Warning
