The number of bird-strike incidents reported at the country’s airports rose to 1,782 last year from 1,278 recorded in 2024, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday. At times, bird strikes cause significant damage to aircraft, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to establish specific regulations and guidelines for managing potential wildlife hazards at licensed airports.
Over the past five years, 6,337 bird-strike incidents were reported at airports across the country, according to data provided in a written reply by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol. While the count reached 1,782 last year, it stood at 1,278 in 2024, 1,371 in 2023, 1,131 in 2022, and 775 in 2021.
To address these risks, operators of licensed airports have developed Wildlife Hazard Management Plans (WHMP) alongside procedures to identify the primary causes of bird-strike incidents. Among other initiatives, Airfield Environment Management Committees (AEMC) have been established to identify sources of wildlife hazards and take necessary control measures.
Delhi airport records highest bird-strike numbers
Earlier, Mohol informed Parliament that Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) has recorded 695 bird strikes since 2020, the highest figure among Indian airports. In 2023 alone, the airport reported 185 bird strikes, following 183 in 2022 and 130 in 2021. By June 2025, 41 bird strikes had already been recorded for the year.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) followed with 407 bird strikes since 2020, while Ahmedabad recorded 337 and Bengaluru reported 343.
A safety audit of IGI Airport in 2024 revealed an alarming presence of wildlife within Delhi’s airside. The DGCA recorded 34 rabbits, 15 dogs, 16 cats, 14 monkeys, 12 monitor lizards, and two foxes by August 30, 2024. Such conditions significantly heighten the risk of animal and bird strikes, which can prove catastrophic during take-off or landing.
The aerodrome operator was directed to submit a time-bound plan to address the issue with enhanced resources, clear timelines, and measurable targets. However, the operator has not implemented consistent mitigation measures or maintained a mandatory bird-activity log.
The absence of a list tracking illegal slaughterhouses, shops, and uncovered garbage dumping sites within a 10-km radius has further worsened the problem. These sites attract birds and wildlife, increasing risks to aircraft operations. Moreover, the lack of refresher training records for bird-control staff highlights deficiencies in staff competency.
Broader safety lapses flagged by regulator
The DGCA noted in 2025 that multiple safety issues persisted at Indian airports. The regulator found aircraft taking off with worn tyres, faded runway markings, and vehicles operating on tarmacs without speed governors, among other critical lapses.
“Show-cause notices were issued, and airlines and airport operators had to implement corrective measures within seven days. The message is very simple to each stakeholder: no compromise with safety will be permitted in any sphere and any lapse will invite strict action,” an official said.
Two DGCA teams conducted intensive surveillance at IGI Airport and Mumbai’s CSMIA. Their review covered flight operations, airworthiness, ramp safety, air traffic control, and pre-flight medical checks. The audit found recurring technical faults in multiple aircraft due to ineffective rectification. Maintenance engineers were absent during snag rectifications, prescribed work orders were ignored, and runway centreline markings had faded.
Technical disruptions and system repairs
Towards the end of 2025, IGI Airport faced technical faults in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which led to delays in processing flight plan messages. The issue was first detected on November 6, 2025, within the IP-based AMSS infrastructure.
Following the discovery, an immediate review meeting was convened by the Secretary Ministry of Civil Aviation along with Chairman Airports Authority of India (AAI), Member Air Navigation Services (ANS), and other senior officials. Formal directives were issued to resolve the complications.
The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) was promptly engaged, and additional personnel were deployed to manually process flight plans for the Air Traffic Control system. This ensured uninterrupted and safe air traffic operations during the disruption. A specialist team from Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and AAI remains on site to monitor the situation.
While the AMSS is now fully operational, the existing data backlog may cause minor delays in automated operations. Authorities expect the system to return to normal shortly. The AAI expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to airlines and passengers during the period of technical instability.
Runway closure and infrastructure upgrade
At present, one of the four runways at IGI Airport has been taken out of service for approximately four months, since February 16. The closure is intended to facilitate extensive repair and modernisation of runway 11R/29L, commonly referred to as the third runway. Operational since 2008, this runway handles a significant proportion of aircraft movements. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said prolonged use, combined with rising traffic and operational load, made large-scale rehabilitation necessary.
The scheduled closure follows lessons learnt from April 2025, when the temporary shutdown of another runway caused severe disruption to flight schedules, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations. Following intervention by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the runway was reopened ahead of schedule. Authorities say detailed planning has been undertaken to avoid similar disruptions this time. Work on runway 11R/29L is expected to begin after regulatory clearances and is slated for completion by early July, subject to DGCA approval.
DIAL has maintained that overall airport capacity will remain unaffected. The operator confirmed that, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India and other stakeholders, multiple high-level consultations were held to assess and mitigate the impact of the closure. Airlines and Air Traffic Control have been fully briefed, with operational plans in place to ensure continuity of services.
The upgrade will involve comprehensive resurfacing of the runway and associated taxiways, along with installation of a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) to assist operations during poor visibility. A Rapid Exit Taxiway will also be constructed to improve runway clearance times and efficiency. The project includes removal and reinstallation of nearly 2,000 airfield ground lights, while drainage systems at runway ends will be widened to prevent waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
