Glasgow airport fear swans could cause air accident
21.01.09
Glasgow Airport executives are concerned that birds roosting near the hub could cause an accident similar to last week's crash in New York. They say that flocks of swans migrate from Iceland to live near the runways at the airport during the winter months.
BAA would like to get rid of the birds from Black Cart Water. However, they are not allowed to move the birds as they are a protected species living on a site of special scientific interest. The stretch of water is roughly 500 metres from the runways and is home to approximately 100 swans.
BAA fear the swans, which can weigh up to 15 kilograms, could fly into the engines of jets. After last week's incident in New York, a BAA spokesman told the Daily Record: ‘There are whooper swans near the flight path, around Black Cart Water. We had requested that they be removed but, unfortunately, this is not possible due to the roosting area being protected under law.'
‘There's always going to be a risk of birds flying into a plane. However, we do take steps to prevent this. We have dedicated bird patrols 24 hours a day. We also ensure the habitat in the airport grounds is such that the birds will not come near the runway, and all incidents are recorded.’
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