Delhi’s IGI Airport Records Highest Number of Bird Hit Incidents: Civil Aviation Ministry

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has reported the highest number of bird-hit incidents across the country over the past five years, starting from 2020. With 695 bird-hit incidents, according to the data shared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Parliament on Monday, one of the busiest airports in Delhi has topped the chart.

The data was presented in response to the question asked by ex-Delhi Commission of Women and currently Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal in the Rajya Sabha. According to the data, a steep rise was recorded from 62 incidents in 2020 to 185 in 2023, before falling slightly to 130 in 2024. In the first half of 2025, that is, till June this year, a total of 41 cases have been reported.

On the contrary, airports in Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad did not cross the 90 incidents in any year from 2020.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has referred to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) regulations, which mandate Wildlife Hazard Management Plans (WHMP) at airports across India. According to the Ministry, the issue can be fixed if these plans, including detailed procedures to identify and mitigate wildlife-related risks to aircraft, are tackled using CAR regulations.

In accordance with these guidelines, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the authority responsible for the operation of the IGI Airport, has adopted a multipronged approach involving bird repellent and control measures, scientific and rescue measures, habitat and insect management, biological and chemical control methods, and awareness and collaborative initiatives.