Airport raise concerns over swans living near runway
21.01.09
Glasgow Airport executives are concerned that swans roosting near the hub could cause an accident similar to last week's crash in New York. They say that flocks of the large birds 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 them as swans 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 a colony of approximately 100 birds.
BAA fear the swans, which can weigh up to 15 kgs, 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 living near the flight path, around Black Cart Water. We have requested that they be moved but, unfortunately, this is not possible due to the roosting area being protected under law.'
‘There is 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.’
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book a hotels glasgow airport or park glasgow airport at the lowest price, click on these links to two great glasgow airport hotel and glasgow airport car parking price comparison pages.
