Feature 
 

Aviation

Killing Strike

In Pakistan, bird strikes have increased as urbanization and wildlife habitats overlap more frequently.

By Bilal Mustikhan | March 2025


Bird strikes or collisions are an often overlooked yet dangerous threat to air travel. These incidents occur when birds collide with an aircraft, typically during takeoff or landing, causing potentially severe damage. While the aviation industry has taken steps to mitigate these risks, bird strikes remain a real and ongoing problem. In Pakistan, where airports near urban and rural environments attract large bird populations, understanding the impact of bird strikes is crucial to ensuring air travel safety.

What is a Bird Strike?
A bird strike occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft in flight or while the aircraft is on the ground. This can involve a single bird or multiple birds at any altitude. However, these strikes are most common during takeoff and landing, as aircraft operate at lower altitudes and speeds. The severity of a bird strike can vary significantly. While some incidents result in only minor cosmetic damage, others can cause extensive damage to engines, windshields, and other critical aircraft parts. Bird strikes can potentially lead to flight delays, emergency landings, and, in rare cases, fatalities.
The most dangerous bird strikes typically occur when the bird hits an aircraft engine or the cockpit window. In these cases, aircraft systems can be severely damaged, potentially leading to engine failure or compromised visibility. Such strikes can force the aircraft to abort and return to the airport for safety inspections or emergency landings.

How Often Do Bird Strikes Happen?
Bird strikes are more common than most people realize. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), approximately 10,000 bird strikes are reported each year in the United States alone. In Pakistan, bird strikes have increased as urbanization and wildlife habitats overlap more frequently. With Pakistan’s major international airports, such as Jinnah International in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International in Lahore, situated near natural habitats and migration routes, bird strikes pose a significant concern.

In Pakistan, reports from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that bird strikes have resulted in extensive damage to aircraft and delays in operations. While not all bird strikes result in accidents or fatalities, their impact on flight schedules and the financial costs of repairs cannot be underestimated. For example, in 2018, a bird strike forced a flight from Lahore to be diverted back to the airport, causing significant delays. These incidents also incur costly damage to the aircraft, repairs, and insurance claims, making them a financial burden on airlines.

The Impact on Aircraft and Passengers
The immediate impact of a bird strike on an aircraft can be substantial. When a bird strikes a plane, it can damage critical parts of the aircraft, such as the engine, wings, or windshields. The most dangerous scenario is when a bird strikes the engine. A bird can cause serious engine damage, leading to a loss of thrust or complete engine failure. The aircraft may then be forced to perform an emergency landing or, in rare cases, experience a crash. This danger is heightened during takeoff or landing, as these are the stages when the aircraft is closest to the ground and least maneuverable.

Even smaller birds, such as sparrows and pigeons, can cause serious damage. For instance, a collision with a bird can crack or break the cockpit windshield, leading to reduced visibility for the pilot. In extreme cases, the bird may also disrupt flight control systems or affect critical sensors. While fatalities from bird strikes are rare, the possibility of serious injury or worse remains a threat that the aviation industry is continually working to minimize.


Bird Strike Incidents in Pakistan
Pakistan has witnessed several bird strike incidents that have captured the attention of both the public and aviation authorities. One such incident occurred in 2016 when a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight originating from Karachi experienced a bird strike during takeoff. The bird collided with the aircraft’s engine, causing substantial damage. The flight had to return to Karachi International Airport, where it made an emergency landing. While there were no casualties, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of aircraft to bird strikes, even in urban areas.

Another notable example is the closure of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport for a few hours after a bird strike occurred on the runway in 2015. This forced the cancellation of several flights and disrupted airport operations. These incidents reveal the significant risks that bird strikes pose to the aviation industry in Pakistan and stress the need for effective measures to prevent them.

Risk of Bird Strikes
Several factors contribute to the frequency and severity of bird strikes, including the airports’ geographical location, bird-friendly environments, and seasonal migrations. Many airports in Pakistan are located in areas that are attractive to birds, such as near lakes, rivers, or agricultural fields. These environments offer birds food and safe resting places, making them likely to congregate around the airport.

Furthermore, certain bird species, including seagulls, crows, and migratory birds, are more likely to be involved in bird strikes. With its vast agricultural areas and migration corridors, Pakistan sees large numbers of birds flying near airports during seasonal migration. The spring and autumn months are particularly hazardous, as millions of birds migrate between northern Asia and Africa. These seasonal migrations can significantly increase the number of birds near airports, making bird strikes more likely.

The types of birds involved in strikes are also important to consider. Larger species, such as the Eurasian Cormorant, can cause more damage to an aircraft, particularly if they collide with the engine. Smaller species, though seemingly harmless, can still threaten critical aircraft systems.

Preventive Measures
To combat the rising issue of bird strikes, airports worldwide, including Pakistan, have implemented various preventive measures. One of the primary steps is the use of radar systems that can detect birds in the vicinity of airports. These systems allow air traffic controllers to provide early warnings to pilots and adjust flight paths if necessary. Such systems have proven effective in reducing the number of bird strikes, particularly at high-risk airports.

In addition, airports use various bird deterrent techniques, including sonic devices that emit loud noises, visual repellents like flashing lights, and even trained birds of prey to scare off unwanted birds. Habitat management is another key strategy. Wildlife management teams can discourage birds from settling near runways and other critical areas by reducing the availability of food, water, and shelter near airports.

How Technology Helps in Bird Strike Prevention
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in minimizing the risk of bird strikes. One of the most innovative solutions involves the use of AI-powered systems to predict and track bird migration patterns. By analyzing data from multiple sources, including weather patterns and bird migration routes, these systems can provide airports with detailed predictions of when and where bird strikes are most likely to occur.

In addition, advancements in drone technology have made it possible for airports to deploy drones to scare birds away from hazardous areas. These drones, equipped with bright lights and noise-making devices, effectively keep birds away from high-risk zones such as runways and taxiways.

Balancing Aviation Safety and Wildlife Preservation
Bird strikes are a serious risk to aviation safety, but the number of incidents can be significantly reduced with the proper preventive measures. Pakistan’s aviation sector must continue to focus on innovative solutions such as radar tracking systems, bird deterrent technology, and improved wildlife management practices. Balancing aviation safety with wildlife preservation will require ongoing efforts, but by addressing the root causes of bird strikes, we can help ensure the safety of passengers and the continued success of Pakistan’s growing aviation industry.

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