Indian airports have recorded 6,337 bird-hit incidents over the past five years, the government informed the Lok Sabha, highlighting growing concerns over aviation safety and operational disruptions.

According to data shared by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, bird strikes rose sharply to 1,782 cases last year, compared to 1,278 incidents in 2024. The data indicates an overall upward trend over the five-year period, with minor fluctuations in some years.

Year-wise bird-hit cases:

  • 775 in 2021
  • 1,131 in 2022
  • 1,371 in 2023
  • 1,278 in 2024
  • 1,782 last year

Officials emphasised that bird strikes are treated as serious safety hazards, as they can damage aircraft engines and structures. Such incidents often result in flight delays, emergency landings or cancellations, affecting passenger safety and airline operations.

DGCA guidelines to tackle wildlife hazards

To mitigate the risk, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued comprehensive guidelines for wildlife hazard management at airports. These include:

  • Regular monitoring of bird and animal activity
  • Mandatory reporting and documentation of bird strikes
  • Airport-specific preventive measures tailored to local conditions

All licensed airports are required to implement Wildlife Hazard Management Plans to reduce bird activity near runways and flight paths. Additionally, Airfield Environment Management Committees operate at airports to identify wildlife attractants such as open garbage dumps and water bodies, and coordinate with local authorities to eliminate these risks.

With air traffic steadily increasing, aviation officials stress that stronger wildlife control measures will be essential to ensure safer and smoother flight operations across the country.