Wildlife-related risks in airport operations were the focus of a two-day training conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at the Bicol International Airport (BIA) from 14 to 15 January.

In a statement released Thursday, CAAP noted that the program, held in partnership with Mastermark Pte Ltd., focused on identifying wildlife hazards, assessing operational risks, and implementing mitigation measures within airport environments. The training utilized a combination of classroom discussions and practical on-site exercises.

The aviation authority emphasized that the program is designed to improve response protocols for wildlife threats that can compromise flight safety and disrupt operations.

Such threats, including bird strikes and animal intrusions, remain a primary concern for airports, particularly those located near open fields, coastal regions, or agricultural lands. Bird strikes, in particular, can cause significant damage to aircraft engines and windshields during takeoff and landing.

CAAP stated that these activities are part of its ongoing safety programs across regional airports to ensure that personnel are equipped with global standards for hazard management.