Smooth takeoffs and landings are becoming increasingly challenging at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which has recorded 373 bird-strike incidents over the past five years.
Environmental educator Mayur Rathod pointed to the mountain at the Pirana dumping site, several kilometres away from the airport, which becomes a roosting spot.
Rathod told Vibes of India, “Birds go to the site for roosting at night, and waste from non-vegetarian food is often disposed of in the open near the airport. Drawn to the huge debris of food, birds have made this site their habitat.”
Mahesh Pandya, an environmental activist, lamented the constant flouting of airport guidelines. “There are certain norms and guidelines laid down for the areas near the airport, and they should be strictly adhered to. In several cases, people are also to blame for disposing of waste in the open, which then attracts birds,” he told VOI.
Airport data indicates that bird-hit incidents average about five per month. A year-wise breakdown shows the scale of the problem: approximately 73 bird hits were reported in 2019–20, 41 in 2020–21, 29 in 2021–22, 38 in 2022–23, and a sharp rise to over 80 incidents in 2023–24. In the current year alone, 65 bird hits have been officially reported as of November.
In several cases, suspected bird hits have forced aircraft to abort take-off or make emergency landings. After such incidents, flights are grounded and allowed to resume operations only after detailed engine inspections and safety clearance by engineers, causing delays and operational disruptions.
To curb the risk, airport authorities have deployed round-the-clock ground staff to monitor runway activity. One of the most visible preventive measures is the regular use of crackers and noise deterrents to scare birds away from the flight path. According to estimates, the airport spends Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh every month on crackers alone.
In addition to manual surveillance, the airport follows wildlife hazard management practices such as regular grass cutting, removal of food attractants, and coordination with local civic bodies to prevent garbage dumping near the airport perimeter. Officials say these steps are aimed at reducing bird congregation around the airfield.
The airport’s growing traffic has further magnified the challenge. Ahmedabad Airport currently handles more than 250 domestic and international flights every day, with nearly 40,000 passengers traveling daily. Most bird-hit incidents occur during take-off, when birds — and occasionally monkeys — enter the runway area, increasing the risk during a critical phase of flight.
Despite sustained efforts, officials acknowledge that bird strikes remain an ongoing challenge due to the airport’s high traffic density and surrounding environment.
With air travel demand continuing to grow, aviation authorities face increasing pressure to strengthen long-term wildlife management strategies to ensure safer flight operations at the Airport.
Also Read: New Parallel Taxiway At Ahmedabad Airport To Boost Operational Efficiency https://www.vibesofindia.com/new-parallel-taxiway-at-ahmedabad-airport-to-boost-operational-efficiency/
