Istanbul’s new airport (IST), opened in April after months of delays, is facing criticism for its proximity to one of the world’s largest areas for migratory birds.
Conservationists are concerned, as are pilots, about bird strikes, which could be extremely dangerous. According to Germany’s aeroTELEGRAPH, experts warned airport authorities of the risks before the airport opened.
Experts told the airport that during autumn alone, 1 million storks pass through the Bosphorus as they migrate out of Europe. Istanbul’s older Ataturk (ISL) had similar issues, but the number of birds crossing was about 80 percent fewer.
There are other potential problems facing the new facility, including concerns with difficult wind conditions and poor visibility on occasion.
Transport Minister Cahit Turhan admitted these issues could lead to longer wait times at the airport, reports Stuttgarter-Zeitung. The outlet also said some passengers have already complained about breaking floor tiles, dirty toilets and general unkemptness at the new airport.
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