Shortly before landing at Mumbai airport on Monday evening, an Emirates plane collided with a flock of flamingos, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 birds.
Although flamingo fatalities have been on the rise recently, this incident marks the first known collision between these birds and an aircraft. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 pm when Emirates flight EK 508 was making its final approach to land on the main runway of the city’s airport.
According to a source from Mumbai air traffic control, the pilots notified them of multiple bird strikes observed on the aircraft’s fuselage during the post-landing inspection. The pilots reported the bird strike after safely landing and parking at the bay. It is believed that the aircraft struck the birds during the final phase of landing before touchdown. Subsequently, a team was dispatched to inspect the runway for bird remains, but none were discovered, the source added.
According to an environmental NGO, the Laxmi Nagar area of Pantnagar Ghatkopar was strewn with bird carcasses, including fragmented wings, beaks, and claws, spread across a vast expanse. The forest department was promptly notified, and they diligently gathered the majority of the carcasses during the night time. Despite the majority of the carcasses being removed, bird remains were still discovered by early morning joggers in certain areas of the neighbourhood, leading to considerable concern among residents.
There has been a significant increase in the number of flamingo fatalities in Mumbai lately. Towards the end of April, a total of 12 injured flamingos were found in the wetlands near Seawoods, Navi Mumbai. Unfortunately, five of these birds did not survive the treatment and passed away. Additionally, there was an incident where a flamingo was struck by a fast-moving vehicle on Palm Beach Road. In February, three flamingos lost their lives after colliding with a billboard. As a result of this incident, CIDCO took the necessary action to remove the billboard.
