Stray animals on Haapai airport in Tonga in the Pacific almost caused an air disaster at the airport yesterday.
One of the passengers, Magistrate Folau Lokotui told Radio and TV Tonga that passengers were shocked when the pilot aborted landing and made another circle above the airport. The pilot then informed passengers that stray goats were on the tarmac.
It's very dangerous. This should not have happened and it might cost some lives because of neglect from civil aviation authorities.
There were also some foreigners with us. This experience may discourage tourists if authorities don't maintain the airport. Magistrate Lokotui said.
According to Magistrate Lokotui, airport employees have told him that the fence around the airport was full of holes and cattle sometimes wander onto the tarmac.
It's crucial for the department to do their job and protect the airport from stray animals.
If there are holes in the fence, they should mend them straightaway. Magistrate Lokotui said.
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