The number of bird strikes involving Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft has increased in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to a report compiled by the airline’s Safety Management Department.
The report revealed that a total of 90 bird strikes were recorded from January to September 2025, up from 83 incidents during the corresponding period in 2024.
In September alone, 29 accidents were reported, marking a sharp increase over previous months.
Among domestic airports, Lahore Airport topped the list with 16 incidents, followed by Islamabad Airport with 15, Multan Airport with 13, and Karachi Airport with 9.
Outside Pakistan, two bird strikes each were reported at Jeddah and Dammam Airports, while one incident each occurred at Medina, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Kuala Lumpur Airports.
The report further noted that the majority of the affected aircraft were Airbus A320s, with 68 such planes involved in bird strike incidents.
The Safety Management Department emphasised the need for stricter wildlife control measures around airports to prevent further accidents and ensure passenger safety.
Reporter: Saeed Ahmed Saeed