Cow enters Ahmedabad airport, probe ordered

After monkeys, birds and rabbits, it was the turn of a cow to visit Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI) here on Thursday.

In the early hours, a cow meandered through the cargo gate up the operational area of the airport, putting many of the airport's staff on their toes, so much so that two flights had to be diverted. The flights that were to depart were held back until the cow was chased out of the airport premises.

Confirming the same, Manoj Gangal, Airport Director, said, "The cow had entered the operational area through the gate that allows cargo and fire vehicles to enter. It was far from the runway. As soon as it was spotted, fire officials were informed. They chased the cow away. In the meantime, keeping in view the safety of aircraft, a few flights were held back whereas two were diverted. I have ordered an inquiry into the incident."

A source at the airport said, "One of the flights diverted was a Blue Dart freight and the other one was an international passenger aircraft. We are glad that the cow could not reach the runway and a huge mishap was averted."

Ahmedabad airport has been grappling with a number of bird-hits and animal menace for years now.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sought a report on Thursday's incident.

Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, AAI, said, "I have asked for a report on the incident and have directed the authority concerned to instal a cattle guard at the cargo gate so that such incidents are not repeated."