Bird strikes present a serious risk to aviation safety, and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI) has taken proactive measures to mitigate this threat. Bird collisions with aircraft can lead to significant damage to engines, windshields, and critical components, sometimes causing catastrophic accidents. To ensure the safety of flights and passengers, the airport has rolled out a comprehensive set of strategies aimed at reducing such incidents, with a focus on innovative wildlife management and sustainability.
A key initiative in these efforts is targeted vegetation management, which aims to make the airport less attractive to birds. The airport has implemented a grass growth cycle management strategy using plant growth regulators and bird deterrents, ensuring vegetation does not encourage foraging. This initiative forms part of a broader focus on sustainable airport operations, where environmental considerations are integrated into the everyday functioning of the airport. By controlling plant growth, the airport not only reduces bird activity but also contributes to maintaining an eco-friendly landscape.
Further, the airport has employed advanced techniques to control insects, a primary food source for many bird species. Soil treatment processes have been put in place to eliminate insect infestations, especially the termites that attract certain birds. In addition, the use of Farrow’s light traps and black light traps has proven effective in reducing the number of insects, which in turn reduces the bird population in the area. In a more direct approach, physical deterrents, including anti-perching devices and customised bioacoustic systems, have been installed to prevent birds from roosting and nesting on the airport’s structures.
From a sustainability standpoint, these measures reflect a growing emphasis on integrating eco-conscious practices within the aviation sector. The airport’s wildlife management strategy ensures that problematic species are relocated safely, minimizing their impact on operations. Furthermore, community engagement plays a vital role in reducing human-induced attractants, such as bird feeding and littering around the airport. By balancing safety with environmental stewardship, SVPI Airport’s initiatives serve as a model for sustainable and safe airport operations, significantly reducing the risk of bird strikes.
