Surat: A day after a Delhi-bound SpiceJet plane hit a stray animal on the runway a few seconds before the take-off, the airlines have complained of stray animals as a recurring problem at the Surat airport. Owing to the repeated obstructions, the airline has decided to suspend its services at the airport for an indefinite period.
"Stray animals are a growing menace in some airports. This incident has affected our regular operations and hence SpiceJet flights from Surat will now be suspended after this incident. Suspension will be effective as soon as possible," a SpiceJet statement read.
Explaining the incident, the airline said, "One of our aircraft (flight no SG 622, a Boeing 737-800 with 140 passengers and 6 crew on board, from Surat to New Delhi) hit a buffalo on take-off roll at Surat airport last night. The buffalo was essentially invisible against a dark background. Thankfully all passengers and crew were safe, however the aircraft was impacted quite severely and hence was grounded. An alternate aircraft was arranged for the passengers. Passengers departed for New Delhi on a different aircraft flown in by SpiceJet at 10:55 pm yesterday from Surat."
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiy into the incident.
There have been many incidents of stray dogs spotted on the runway in the past too. Earlier in October, 2014 security officials had trapped a jackal after it had been spotted walking near the runway in Kochi. In May 2012, an Indigo airlines flight from Mumbai had to abort landing at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur after its pilot spotted a pig on the runway.
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