Friday, February 21, 2025

First Half Of 2022, Witnessed 49.3% Increase In Bird Strikes On Aircraft

By Staff Correspondent

India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, reported that there were 49.3% more bird strikes from January to July this year compared to the same period in 2021. Such incidents also decreased as operations were scaled back over the past two years. 

Although bird and animal strikes at Indian airports aren’t uncommon, this year’s figures have turned out to be significantly higher than the previous year. The rise in air traffic is the leading cause, but poor waste management and inadequate infrastructure in some cities have also had a significant impact. 

Airlines expanding their flight schedules during the post-pandemic recovery phase has also increased bird and animal strikes. Around 974 bird strikes were noted in the nation between January and July of 2022, per DGCA data. 

Going from seven in the same period last year to 23 between January and July, the number of incidents involving collisions with other animals has also significantly increased. 

In June, India’s southwest summer monsoon season begins and lasts until September. Depending on the region, it peaks at various times, and additionally, the amount of bird activity near airports significantly increases during this time. 

A significant part of the issue has to do with inadequate infrastructure. Open drains and poor waste management frequently lead to water logging during heavy rain showers in several Indian cities. More of these occurrences are brought on by increased insect reproduction and waste material buildup during the monsoon season.






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