Leh Airport Faces Safety Concerns as Stray Dogs Enter Runway, Bird-Hit Risks Increase
IAF and civil operators call for urgent waste management, bird spikes, and tighter runway security
LEH (LADAKH), Nov 26: Growing concerns over bird strike risks and stray dog incursions on the runway at the Leh airport have prompted the Indian Air Force (IAF) and civil flight operators to demand urgent installation of bird spikes and swift measures to keep the surrounding areas garbage free.
The issues were discussed at a comprehensive meeting of the Aerospace Safety Section, chaired by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Leh, Sonam Nurboo, on Wednesday.
The meeting began with a detailed presentation by Wing Commander S. Gokula Krishnan, Flight Safety Officer of Air Officer Commanding, 21 Wing, Air Force Station Leh. Officials said the presentation flagged multiple critical safety concerns, including open garbage dumps near the airfield, stray dog movement on the runway, and a targeted action plan to reduce bird strikes.
Wg Cdr Krishnan stressed that bird strikes have emerged as one of the most serious threats to aircraft safety and linked the surge in bird activity to improper waste disposal around the airport. He also highlighted pending issues such as waste management lapses, updating the Disabled Aircraft Recovery Plan (DARP), identifying obstructions, and addressing new concerns like unauthorised vehicle parking, photography in the funnel approach area, and construction of high-rise buildings near the airfield.
He urged immediate steps to remove open dumping sites to minimise bird movement and called attention to the rising stray dog population inside the airport premises, which has led to repeated runway intrusions.
The Wing Commander also asked representatives of SpiceJet and Air India to update their safety and operational plans to align with current challenges.
Addressing the stakeholders, ADDC Nurboo directed departments to thoroughly document the problems affecting airfield operations and ensure timely action. He emphasised regular SOP meetings and close inter-departmental coordination to enhance airfield safety.
