An Emirates aircraft collided with a flock of flamingos near Mumbai airport, resulting in the deaths of 39 birds. The event, which occurred on Monday evening, is being rigorously investigated by both aviation and wildlife authorities to prevent future occurrences and understand the dynamics of this unprecedented collision.
The Emirates Boeing 777, operating flight EK 508 from Dubai, was on its final descent to runway 27 at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport when the incident occurred. Around 8:30 pm, as the aircraft was about a minute from landing, it flew into a flock of Lesser flamingos at approximately 1,000 feet over Laxmibaug in Ghatkopar East. The plane was reportedly cruising at a speed of 280 km/h at the time of the collision.
Despite the significant impact, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury. Emirates confirmed the safety of everyone on board, emphasising the robust safety protocols and the skill of the flight crew in handling the situation. Flamingo migrations to Mumbai have been a regular occurrence since the 1990s, while the city’s airport has been operational since the 1940s. This marks the first major incident involving a collision between aircraft and flamingos in the area. The flamingos were reportedly en route to Kutch, where they have their natural habitat. The collision is reminiscent of the US Airways Flight 1549 incident in 2009, where a bird strike involving Canadian geese led to an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of managing airspace that intersects with migratory paths of wildlife.
The investigation, spearheaded by both aviation and wildlife authorities, aims to uncover the precise circumstances leading to the collision and to implement measures that could mitigate such risks in the future. Measures could include adjustments to flight paths, enhanced radar technology to detect bird flocks, and coordination with wildlife experts to better understand migratory patterns. Involving various stakeholders, including Mrugank Prabhu, Sneh Bagwe, Dipali Lokhande, and Pritesh Modi, the probe is expected to yield insights that could improve aviation safety and wildlife conservation. This incident underscores the delicate balance required in urban ecosystems where human and wildlife activities intersect.
As aviation and wildlife authorities continue their investigation, this event serves as a stark reminder of the potential conflicts between human activities and natural wildlife movements. Enhanced awareness and innovative solutions will be key in preventing similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety of both air travel and the region’s rich biodiversity.
