Bengaluru airport tops bird-hit incidents in southern India; 343 cases in 5.5 years; Delhi leads with 695

BENGALURU: Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has recorded the highest number of bird strikes among airports in South India over the past five-and-a-half years, with a total of 343 incidents.Nationally, Bengaluru ranks third in bird strike cases, behind Delhi (695 incidents) and Mumbai (405). Bird strikes, referring to collisions between birds and aircraft, typically occur at low altitudes during critical phases of flight such as take-off and landing, often resulting in damage to aircraft engines or windshields, posing a significant safety concern.According to the union civil aviation ministry, around 2,800 bird strikes were reported across the country between 2020 and June 2025. While the number of incidents dipped during the Covid-19 years (2020 and 2021), they rose steadily as air travel resumed. Bengaluru has recorded an average of 85 bird strike cases annually over the past three years.Among other major airports in South India, Hyderabad reported 191 cases, Chennai 188, and Thiruvananthapuram 109 since 2020.Although no major accidents due to bird strikes have been reported in Bengaluru, aviation experts link the high frequency of such incidents to increased commercial activity near the airport and a surge in flight operations. Bengaluru is currently the third-busiest airport in India, handling a record 41.88 million passengers in 2024–25. It offers connectivity to 76 domestic and 34 international destinations. The localities around the airport are witnessing rapid realty development.To mitigate bird strike risks, Bengaluru airport has implemented a multi-layered Wildlife Hazard Management Plan in line with national and international aviation safety protocols. A dedicated team monitors bird and wildlife activity in real time and employs deterrent methods as required. Measures include bird repellents, rodent control, habitat and insect management, biological and chemical control methods, and awareness campaigns focused on waste management around the airport, airport sources said.