From Delhi To Bengaluru: Why Are India's Skies Facing A Bird Strike Crisis?
Delhi and Bengaluru airports have recently adopted advanced technologies and real-time deterrent systems to combat the problem.
Bird strikes across India's major airports have seen a sharp increase since the pandemic slowdown.
According to data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, nearly 2,800 incidents were recorded between 2020 and June 2025. Delhi tops the list with 695 cases, followed by Mumbai with around 405 and Bengaluru with 343 incidents.
Experts say the surge in bird hits is mainly due to increased flight operations after the Covid lull, along with rapid urban and commercial development near airports.
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), for instance, is now the third-busiest in the country, handling over 41 million passengers in 2024–25 alone, as per Money Control.
Why Are Bird Strikes Dangerous?
Bird strikes usually happen during take-off or landing – critical moments for any flight. Though Bengaluru hasn't seen any major accidents due to bird hits, these events still pose a serious threat to aircraft engines and windshields.
The number of such incidents was lowest during the peak Covid years – 309 in 2020 and 354 in 2021. But as flights resumed, so did the risks: 588 cases were reported in 2022 and 709 in 2023. According to Deccan Herald, the figure dipped slightly to 609 in 2024, with 238 incidents already logged by mid-2025.
To tackle the issue, airports are following the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan in line with global safety standards. This includes monitoring bird activity in real time and using deterrents like repellents, habitat control, rodent management, and insect control. Public awareness drives on waste disposal near airports are also helping reduce bird attraction zones.
As per TOI, Delhi and Bengaluru airports have stepped up their efforts with tech-based solutions and better coordination among teams. These proactive steps aim to keep flights safe as India's skies get busier once again.
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