Boris Island concept met with opposition over bird strike risks

In a study commissioned by London Mayor Boris Johnson it has been revealed that a floating airport scheme being considered is technically going to be a feasible option. The scheme proposed an airport to be built on the Thames Estuary, but many opponents of the proposed airport have indicated that it could lead to hazardous bird strikes, besides creating noise pollution and congested skies unsafe for flying.

Although currently no flights paths are being discussed, the project, which has been nicknamed ‘Boris Island’, is already facing heavy objection with a majority of people opposed to the overall idea. The project will cost an estimated £40bn and is directly in the migration path for literally hundreds of thousands of birds.

Jeremy Kite, a councillor for the Dartford Council called the idea ridiculous and says it could be hazardous with that many birds striking aircraft. He added that the proposed area is one of the largest bird wetlands on the European continent. The councillor added that most people avoid building airports on wetlands, and he said it is no exaggeration to say that the birds could quite possibly bring down an aircraft leaving from the proposed airport site.

RSPB regional director for London, Chris Corrigan, has previously cautioned that building in this area would be a twelve times greater risk for bird strikes than currently exists at any other major airports in the UK. He also added that the proposed site is a legally protected habitat for those birds and building in the area would damage the natural habitation.