On 7. January 2020, a tragic air disaster occurred at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. The accident killed one passenger and seriously injured three others. The cause of the plane’s collision with a group of birds has long been unclear.
Now, however, the Amsterdam prosecutor’s office has reached a decision: The bird strike was not an extraordinary circumstance that absolved the airline of its responsibility, it said. The airline is liable for the damage it caused.
This decision also has implications for other aircraft accidents in which a bird strike was the cause. Airlines must now ensure that they protect their passengers from potential hazards – even those that are so “commonplace” Hazards like bird strikes.
Experts believe this decision by prosecutors will have repercussions throughout the aviation industry. Airlines must now take further steps to protect their passengers and minimize the damage caused by bird strikes – whether through better technology or increased controls on flight routes.
What happened?
The prosecutor has ruled that the bird strike is not an extraordinary circumstance. This after a plane had to make an emergency landing because it was hit by a flock of geese. Significant property damage occurred, but there were no injuries. The prosecutor’s decision means the airline is liable for the damage, not an unforeseen natural disaster.
In the past, similar cases have been heard by the courts. In 2009, an Airbus A320 was forced to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River in New York after being struck by birds. All 155 occupants survived. Also in this case, the aviation authority decided that it was a normal hazard for which the airline should be held responsible.
The prosecutor’s decision has implications for the aviation industry and could lead to airlines taking additional measures to avoid bird strikes. This could include the construction of special airport fences or the further development of scarecrows. The aviation industry has already taken steps to prevent bird strikes by implementing strict safety protocols and technologies such as bird radar.
- In short:
- Public prosecutor decides that bird strike is not an extraordinary circumstance
- Airline must be liable for damages
- Decision impacts airline industry and could lead to additional action
Not an extraordinary circumstance: bird strike according to prosecutor
A bird strike on an airplane does not constitute an extraordinary circumstance, according to the prosecutor in charge of the case. The incident, which forced an ABC Airlines plane to make an emergency landing in Frankfurt, was initially described by the airline as an extraordinary circumstance. This would mean the airline is not liable for delays or cancellations.
However, the prosecutor argues that bird strikes are an everyday event that every airline should be prepared for. Therefore, it is not possible to speak of an extraordinary circumstance in this case. The airline, ABC Airlines, would therefore have to respect the rights of the passengers affected and pay compensation if necessary.
This incident shows once again how important it is for airlines to respect the rights of their passengers and to comply with applicable laws and regulations. In the event of delays, cancellations or problems with baggage claim, passengers should know their rights and seek expert help if needed.
Overall, airlines must always ensure that they fulfill their obligations and guarantee the safety of their passengers at all times. When unforeseen problems do occur, it is important that they are communicated appropriately and transparently.
- Bird strike on an aircraft does not constitute an extraordinary circumstance, prosecutor says.
- Airlines must prepare for incidents like bird strikes.
- Passengers have rights and airlines must respect them.
- Transparency and appropriate communication are important when unforeseen events occur.
Airline reactions to the state attorney general’s bird strike decision
After the DA officially confirmed that bird strikes are not an extraordinary circumstance, many airlines immediately responded by changing their policies regarding compensation for flight delays or cancellations.
Many airlines are now forced to pay compensation to passengers who were affected by bird strikes and missed their flights as a result. Some airlines have announced they will have to raise fares to cover these additional costs.
Some airlines have also decided to strengthen their security measures regarding bird strikes by implementing more bird repellent programs and better training their security personnel. Other airlines are planning to adjust their routes or equip their aircraft with special radar systems to avoid bird strikes.
- Many airlines have already updated their terms of service to provide passengers with better information about bird strikes, including their compensation policies and potential delays due to bird strikes.
- Some airlines also offer updated seating charts to inform passengers which seats are safest in the event of a collision with birds.
Overall, the state attorney general’s bird strike decisions have a significant impact on the aviation industry. Airlines must now strengthen their security measures to prevent bird strikes, provide compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, and better inform their passengers.
How we can avoid bird strikes?
More and more people are aware of the dangers that can be caused by bird strikes, especially near airports and other places with a lot of air traffic. Fortunately, there are a variety of steps that can be taken to avoid this problem.
One of the most important measures is the installation of special bird warning systems that use lights and sounds to deter birds and steer them in a different direction. These systems can also be equipped with radar sensors and cameras to monitor and provide early detection of bird flight movements.
Another important factor in preventing bird strikes is regular maintenance and cleaning of buildings where birds may nest. Plugging holes and crevices and removing nests can discourage birds from roosting near buildings and causing collisions with aircraft.
- Other measures to prevent bird strikes include:
- Regular cleaning of agricultural areas and landfills to keep birds away from these areas.
- Reducing light pollution to keep birds from flying toward lighted buildings at night.
- Use of aircraft designs that are better able to detect and avoid birds.
- Training pilots and air traffic controllers on bird strikes and how to avoid them.
By taking these actions, we can help prevent collisions between aircraft and birds and minimize the risk of accidents. It is important that all stakeholders – airport operators, aircraft manufacturers and pilots – work together to improve air safety.