Bird migration routes to be altered by signals at Istanbul’s third airport

“We are working on an exclusive project over the migrant birds. We are examining examples from abroad and working with experts. We will develop a system which will change the migration routes of the birds by using signals. Migrant birds stop at this area for food. We will change their routes with signals and put food in those areas [where the birds will be directed to]. We will teach the birds to change their routes,” Limak Holding owner Nihat Özdemir told daily Vatan on May 6.

Istanbul’s third airport is being built along one of the most important migration routes for birds experts say, warning that its construction poses dangers not only to the environment, but even airplane flights.
Zeynel Arslangündoğdu, an expert of ornithology at Istanbul University, told Radikal in September 2014 that the northern forests of Istanbul’s European side are among the main corridors used by migrating birds crossing the metropolis. 

The controversial facility will become not only Istanbul’s largest airport but also one of the world’s major hubs. Its construction in one of the city’s most precious natural areas, however, has drawn criticism from activists denouncing a culture of plunder and destruction.

Meanwhile, Özdemir also said they have spent 500 million euros for the infrastructure and groundwork of the airport so far. He said 3,000 workers and 700 trucks are currently working in the area, adding the number of trucks will increase to 1,200.

Özdemir also said the loan problems were solved by getting 4.5 billion euros worth of loans from seven banks, adding that 60 percent of these loans were given by the three state banks, Ziraat, Halkbank and Vakıfbank, while the rest was covered by private banks Garanti, Yapı Kredi, Denizbank and Finansbank.