MANILA – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said on Wednesday bird strike incidents in airports across the country dropped 9.7 percent in September compared to same month last year.

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said most of the 44 commercial airports operated by CAAP are near the seashore, where migratory birds get their food.

Among the high risk airports are those in Iloilo, Davao and Puerto Princesa, according to Apolonio.

CAAP, he said, has been implementing a wildlife hazard program together with industry partners and local government units to address the issue.

The agency also ensured to cut grass and trim trees so that birds won’t nest near runways.

A bird strike is a collision between a bird in flight and an aircraft, which usually happens during takeoff or landing.

The damage it causes varies and may potentially disrupt flight schedules, affecting maintenance requirements and impacting overall airline operations.

Earlier, AirAsia Philippines reported encountering over 90 bird strike incidents in some domestic airports from January to August.

Six of those incidents have caused damage to aircraft components, according to AirAsia.

Apolonio said damage to engines often result in flight cancellation or delays.