Good day to all
I’m writing to clear up some misconceptions that seem to be circulating regarding a recent situation at the V.C. Bird International Airport involving a stray dog.
I’ve noticed that some of us tend to blow these situations out of proportion and act as if such incidents are exclusive to Antigua. It’s important for us to recognize that these things happen globally, and it’s not just an isolated issue here. While I understand that it might not sound reassuring to the average person, we need to be aware that stray animals and birds pose risks to aircraft in many parts of the world.
For instance, in April of this year, a dog on the runway at New York’s JFK Airport caused a JetBlue flight to execute a go-around, as documented and reported by Blue News. Similarly, also in June of this year, a comparable incident occurred at Pune Airport in India, resulting in a flight having to go around as well. These examples highlight that such incidents are not unique to Antigua.
In aviation, whether it’s a British Airways Boeing 777 or a private pilot flying a Cessna 172, air traffic control regularly issues go-around instructions for various reasons, including the presence of stray animals on the runway. This maneuver, where an aircraft aborts its landing to avoid a collision, is a standard safety procedure that we (must) all understand and respect.
Let’s stay informed and keep a broader perspective on these matters. By doing so, we can better appreciate the complexities and challenges faced by air traffic control and aviation professionals worldwide.
Thank you for your attention, and let’s continue to work together to ensure the safety of our skies.
From Eugene ‘Kaseba’ Silcott,
Senior Air Traffic Controller, VC Bird International Airport
