The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing aviation safety, with a particular focus on preventing bird strikes. This assurance came during a radio discussion hosted by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, following a tragic incident involving a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan International Airport in South Korea, which resulted in the loss of 179 lives. The crash occurred shortly after a bird strike warning was issued by the control tower.
CAAP Spokesperson Eric Apolonio highlighted that the agency is actively addressing the challenges posed by bird strikes, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. He pointed out that climate change plays a significant role in these incidents, influencing the behavior and migration patterns of birds. To tackle this, CAAP recently organized a seminar that focused on the growing presence of migratory birds near airports and explored various strategies to reduce the risk of bird strikes.
Apolonio also drew attention to the proximity of Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Freedom Island, a bird sanctuary in Manila Bay, which adds to the complexity of managing bird-related risks. In addition to bird strike prevention, CAAP is implementing other safety enhancements. These include achieving a night operation rating, expanding runways at regional airports, and introducing new security measures to handle the increased travel during the holiday season.