RAWALPINDI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) continues to face significant safety and financial challenges as new data reveals that 38 planes were involved in bird strike incidents during the first six months of 2025.
According to the latest report shared by the airline, the PIA bird strike incidents 2025 figure highlights a growing threat to Pakistan’s aviation sector, especially as major airports lack modern bird repellent systems — a standard safety measure in most countries.
Lahore Airport Reports Highest Number of Bird Strikes
Among domestic airports, Lahore Airport recorded the highest number of bird strikes with nine incidents. Multan Airport followed with seven, while Karachi recorded five incidents. Islamabad and Peshawar each reported four cases, Sialkot three, and Quetta reported one bird strike.
The problem is not limited to local runways alone. PIA aircraft also encountered bird collisions at international airports including Jeddah, Dammam, Kuala Lumpur, and Sharjah, demonstrating the airline’s widespread exposure to this hazard.
Airbus Aircraft Most Affected
The data shows that a majority of the collisions — 27 out of 38 — involved PIA’s Airbus fleet, while 10 incidents occurred with Boeing 777 jets. Seven bird strikes were recorded in June alone, and eight incidents happened during the critical landing phase — an especially dangerous time for both crew and passengers.
Millions Lost Due to Bird Collisions
These bird strikes cost PIA and other airlines millions of dollars every year due to aircraft repairs, flight delays, and additional safety checks. Despite this, no bird repellent system has been installed at any Pakistani airport — a basic aviation safety standard globally to ensure secure flight operations.
A Growing Concern for Aviation Safety
Industry experts warn that without proactive measures, the frequency of bird strikes may continue to rise, putting both passengers and crew at risk. Aviation authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for effective waste management around airports, regular monitoring, and modern repellent systems to keep birds away from flight paths.
Read More: PIA flight hit by bird after take-off from Karachi airport — another incident highlighting the urgent need for modern safety measures.
✅ Key Takeaway
The alarming number of PIA bird strike incidents 2025 is a wake-up call for Pakistan’s aviation authorities to urgently upgrade airport safety standards. Until modern deterrent systems are installed, the skies remain risky for Pakistan’s national carrier and passengers alike.
