Bhubaneswar: With air traffic showing a substantial increase in Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here, experts have raised concern over the potential danger for flyers and aviation in the form of bird hazards.
Defined as a collision between a bird and an aircraft which is in flight or during takeoff and landing, bird strikes are common but a significant threat to aviation safety. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) 880 cases of bird strikes have been reported till 2018.
“Bird strikes are result of abundant food availability in and around the airport which is mostly supported by large water bodies and open grasslands. Human habitations around the airport also play a vital role as large quantities of leftovers help a number of birds to breed and grow,” explained environmentalist Krushna Mahapatra. 
DISTURBING NUMBERS
- DGCA has registered 880 cases of bird strikes till 2018
- From 1988 to 2017, the annual fatalities reported worldwide due to bird strike were 347
- 13 cases each, of bird hits, were recorded at BPIA in 2017 and 2018
In a recent report investigating the averted mishap of 2017 in which a GoAir flight with 156 passengers on board had to do an emergency landing at the Delhi airport, the DGCA said that a bird strike had resulted in engine failure.
Set within the midst of a thriving city with a population of more than nine lakh, the BPIA reports to have a growth of 40% in flight movement and is expected to receive forty lakh passengers on a yearly basis indicating the underlying dangers.
Responding to this BPIA director Suresh Chandra Hota said, “Bird strike is an environmental issue which cannot be eliminated completely but could be controlled. At BPIA this is done by assessing the internal and external factors.”
“Internally, we use traditional techniques of scaring the birds through contracted bird chasers, regular runway inspections and maintaining grass levels of under 10 cm as per the DGCA guidelines. Externally, we have set an Airport Management Committee that conducts regular inspections with the civic authority to check garbage disposal, covering of drainages and removal of unregistered meat vendors within four km radius of the airport,” he added.
From 1988 to 2017, the annual fatalities reported worldwide due to bird strike were 347. While cases of collisions increased from 607 in 2012 to 809 in 2016, the national capital registered the highest of 178 followed by 72 in Mumbai.
“13 cases each, of bird hits, were recorded at BPIA in 2017 and 2018 each. However, not all of these cases are fatal but if a bird’s carcass or its traces were found in fuselage of an airplane then it’s classified under bird hazard category and is properly investigated,” Hota stated.
Aviral Mishra