Ural Airlines filed a lawsuit against Simferopol airport due to a bird flying into the engine

In April 2024, Ural Airlines filed a claim with the Arbitration Court of the Republic of Crimea against Simferopol Airport in the amount of 25,592,561.8 rubles. The essence of the claim was not disclosed.

On April 25, 2021, during takeoff at Simferopol airport, the aircraft collided with a bird, as a result of which the aircraft received significant damage. The airline needed to replace six blades (engine),” said the plaintiff’s representative Larisa Zolotareva via video link.

According to her, an agreement on ground services has been concluded between the airline and the airport, which includes ornithological support during takeoff and landing, in particular to prevent aircraft from colliding with birds. “We believe that due to the dishonest provision of services, the airline suffered losses,” noted the plaintiff’s representative.

Airport position

In turn, the representative of the defendant Oksana Vitkovskaya said that the airport does not agree with the claim.

We believe that the plaintiff did not provide evidence in the case file confirming the fact of improper fulfillment of obligations by the defendant, as well as evidence confirming the causal connection and the amount of damages incurred— said Vitkovskaya.

She said there was no evidence that a bird hit the engine. All ornithological equipment worked and was in good working order. The final decision on takeoff is made by the aircraft commander.

The commander was warned three times about the flight of birds and still decided to take off, — she noted.

The next meeting will take place on July 18. Before it, the parties to the process will familiarize themselves with the submitted petitions.