Image Source: Times of India
As India’s aviation sector soars post-pandemic, a hidden danger shadows its ascent: bird strikes. The latest figures from the union civil aviation ministry reveal a startling fact—Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has reported the highest number of bird strike incidents in South India between 2020 and June 2025. With 343 cases documented in just over five years, the issue demands urgent attention for passenger safety and operational reliability.
National and Regional Context
Rising Bird Strikes Nationwide
Nearly 2,800 bird strike incidents were reported at major Indian airports since 2020. Delhi airport led the nation with 695 incidents, followed by Mumbai (about 405) and Bengaluru (343), making KIA the top site in the southern region.
Flight Operations Back to Pre-Covid Levels
Bird strikes dipped during pandemic lockdowns but surged as air travel resumed, with India witnessing 588 cases in 2022 and a record 709 in 2023. As of June 2025, 238 incidents have already been recorded nationwide in just the first half of the year.
The Southern Standout
In South India, Hyderabad reported 191 cases, Chennai 188, while Thiruvananthapuram saw 109. Bengaluru’s 343 puts it far ahead of its southern peers.
Why Bengaluru?
Aviation and Urban Growth Collide
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KIA is now the third-busiest airport in India, handling a record 41.88 million passengers in 2024–25 and providing connectivity to 76 domestic and 34 international destinations.
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Experts link the spike in bird strikes to surging flight operations and rapid real estate and commercial development near the airport, which attract birds seeking food and shelter.
Critical Flight Phases Most at Risk
Bird strikes typically occur during take-off and landing—moments when aircraft are most vulnerable. While no major accidents have been reported at KIA due to bird hits, these events still threaten aircraft engines, windshields, and timely operations.
Safety Measures and Mitigation
Wildlife Hazard Management at Work
KIA implements a multi-layered Wildlife Hazard Management Plan in line with national and international aviation protocols, aiming to control bird and wildlife activity.
On-Ground Defenses:
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Active Monitoring: Dedicated teams track bird and wildlife movement in real time.
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Deterrent Strategies: Use of bird repellents, rodent control, habitat and insect management, and both biological and chemical controls.
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Community Awareness: Public campaigns on waste management in airport-adjacent areas reduce food sources attracting birds.
Tech-Fuelled Upgrades
Bengaluru has followed the example of Delhi by strengthening its defenses with the latest technologies and coordinated management, including collaboration between airport authorities, airlines, and civic bodies.
The Bigger Picture
A Wake-Up Call for Indian Aviation
The jump in bird strikes highlights the ripple effects of unregulated urban sprawl and solid waste management near airports. Despite structured mitigation protocols, enforcement beyond airport perimeters remains inconsistent, impacting not just airline operations but also passenger safety.
No Room for Complacency
While KIA hasn’t seen a major event linked to bird strikes yet, aviation authorities stress the need for unrelenting vigilance—because every bird, however small, carries the potential for disruption in the high-stakes world of modern aviation.
Conclusion
Bengaluru’s predicament is a cautionary tale for India’s booming aviation sector. As airports navigate the twin challenges of increased traffic and environmental risks, proactive management, technological innovation, and civic cooperation will be key to keeping the skies—and runways—safe.
Sources: Moneycontrol, Times of India, Deccan Herald, News18, NewsBytes, Inshorts, Hindustan Times
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