This South Indian Airport Saw Highest Number of Bird Strikes in Last 5 years

DELHI- According to recent data reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), some interesting facts have been discovered.

Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) has emerged as the most affected airport in South India when it comes to bird strikes.

Photo: HOK

Bengaluru Airport: Highest Bird Strikes

Between January 2023 and May 2024, Bengaluru Airport recorded 369 bird strikes, which is the highest in the southern part of the country.

Bengaluru Airport surpassed other major southern airports like Hyderabad (310), Chennai (263), and Kochi (161).

This trend has brought renewed attention to aviation safety in one of the country’s busiest airports. With Bengaluru’s growing air traffic and urban expansion, managing wildlife hazards near the airport is becoming an increasingly complex challenge.

Experts believe that it is a mix of environmental and urban factors for the rising number of bird strikes around airports.

These South Indian airports are surrounded by a blend of open land, agricultural zones, and rapidly urbanizing areas. All of these things can attract birds. Improper waste disposal, water bodies, and even illegal slaughterhouses near airport premises may contribute to the presence of birds in the flight path.

A senior DGCA official noted that Bengaluru airport’s location and surrounding conditions make it more prone to such incidents. It was also added that local authorities and airport operators must enhance their bird hazard management programs.

Nationally, the issue of bird strikes continues to challenge India’s aviation sector. DGCA data shows that over 1,300 bird strike cases were reported across Indian airports in 2023 alone. This shows the need for a coordinated approach to wildlife management near airports.

Airlines Feel the Impact

Chennai Airport; Photo- Wikipedia

Bird strikes are not always dangerous. But they do pose serious safety risks and operational challenges. They can damage aircraft engines, which will in turn lead to emergency landings, flight delays, and costly repairs.

Most of these incidents occur during takeoff or landing. This is the time when aircraft are at lower altitudes. These occurrences can still result in schedule disruptions, especially when safety checks or aircraft grounding become necessary.

Airlines operating at Bengaluru have reportedly faced multiple disruptions due to bird strikes over the past year. There has been a spike observed, particularly during the monsoon and early morning hours when bird activity is typically higher.

Photo: Shankar s | Flickr

Mitigation Measures Underway

Airport authorities in Bengaluru say they are actively working to reduce bird hazards through a combination of preventive and deterrent measures. As per them, Regular patrolling and bird scaring are carried out using lasers, pyrotechnics, and distress calls for prevention.

There have reportedly been efforts made on Habitat management around the airfield to reduce bird attractants. The airport operators are also coordinating with municipal bodies to monitor garbage disposal and water stagnation near the airport premises.

However, experts say that without stricter enforcement from civic agencies in surrounding areas, efforts by the airports alone will not be enough.

As the cities and their airports continue to grow, experts stress the importance of collaboration between airport operators, civic agencies, and local communities. Sustainable urban planning, responsible waste management, and continuous monitoring will play a key role in keeping the skies safer.

Photo: Hyderabad Airport

Bottom Line

In recent years, there has been a surge in residential property developments around the Bengaluru airport premises. The presence or development of housing itself isn’t a direct concern. The issue arises from the waste and unhygienic conditions that often arise with such developments.

Improper waste disposal, especially from nearby meat shops, increases the risk of attracting birds. Regulatory authorities must take proactive steps to identify and remove any meat shops or waste sources near the runway vicinity, which will help ensure safer flight operations.

Kempegowda International Airport served close to 42 million passengers in the last FY. The airport functions as a key domestic and international hub. Reducing bird strike risks around the airport is vital, not just for operational efficiency but also for passenger safety and confidence.

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