Airport CEO: Bird strike action up to QLDC

Statement received from Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry on bird strike risk and QLDC potential emergency measures.

"As we discussed on your recent airfield visit and interview with Juliet, wildlife management is an ongoing safety priority at Queenstown Airport, as it is for airports and airlines globally.

The implications of a bird strike can be very serious as evidenced on 17 June 2024, when a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 was diverted to Invercargill after a bird-strike on departure from Queenstown Airport. The aircraft landed safely in Invercargill. As you would expect this was treated seriously by airlines. Please note, this incident cannot be specifically linked to the Shotover Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Queenstown Airport has a comprehensive wildlife management plan, particularly focused on birds, and we take an active management approach in this regard.

For many years, we have been working closely with a local consultant ecologist with extensive expertise in the patterns and behaviours of birds in the region and in the areas near the airfield, including the Shotover Delta. Most airfields have species that are resident or migratory, so we closely observe to understand the behaviour and activity of birds and we adapt our response and mitigation activity seasonally.  

We use a range of tactics to manage the risks associated with birds and bird strike, including bird-scaring, such as light flashes and sound to disperse and deter birds. Before each flight, our airport emergency services team completes airfield checks. We also actively share knowledge across the airport community, which enables us to manage risk in real-time.

Ponding water is attractive to birds, so leads to an increased risk. The risk of increased bird activity associated with the ponding at the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant has been highlighted to QLDC, as the owner of the treatment plant.

It is a matter for QLDC, as the owner of the treatment plant to decide on the most appropriate course of action.

I have read the recent coverage but I’m not in a position to comment on the media reports. I understand that QLDC will be holding a press conference next week and providing more information."

Editor's Note: We were told during our recent visit to the airport that last year's Virgin bird strike was attributed to migratory birds flying overhead - not birds nesting near the airfield.