Pilot aborts landing of Mumbai-Goa flight after spotting dogs on runway

The pilot of an Air India flight from Mumbai to Goa was forced to abort landing at the last minute on Tuesday after stray dogs were seen trespassing into the runway.

The flight was scheduled to land in Goa’s Dabolim airport around 3 am on August 13. However, the pilot spotted dogs running on the runway moments before landing and alerted the ATC about their presence.

“Air India flight AI 033 from Mumbai while landing in Dabolim around 3 am on August 13 reported to ATC about the presence of dogs on the runway,” a statement issued by the Navy said.

“The aircraft was recovered safely in 2nd approach. Being night hours, no dogs were sighted by ATC (Air Traffic Controller) & runway controller,” it added.

The Navy said INS Hansa (near Dabolim) has taken proactive measures to reduce dog menace on the runway with the employment of manpower during daylight hours adjacent to the runway to chase away dogs and birds.

Additionally, an MoU has been signed with the state government under which they are to sterilize and relocate up to 200 dogs from the vicinity of the runway, the Navy said.