Birdproof Kolkata Airport: Cutting-Edge System Deployed To Deter Birds And Enhance Safety

In the first 10 months of last year, there were 19 confirmed reports of aircraft–bird collisions at Kolkata Airport. In addition, 60 potential incidents were mentioned.

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons) Cutting-Edge System Deployed To Deter Birds And Enhance Safety

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The authorities have taken steps to further secure and safeguard Kolkata (Dumdum) Airport. This time, the airport will employ state-of-the-art sonic and ultrasonic sound wave management systems.

The aim is to use technology to keep birds at bay so that no unwanted or tragic collisions occur between aircraft and birds.

According to sources, particularly in recent years, there have been numerous instances of aircraft colliding with birds during take-offs, landings, or while in flight at Kolkata Airport.

It goes without saying how disastrous the consequences of such collisions could be. For this reason, the airport authorities have decided to adopt technological measures this time.

According to a report published in the Times of India, in the first 10 months of last year, there were 19 confirmed reports of aircraft–bird collisions at Kolkata Airport, along with 60 potential incidents.

In 2023, these numbers were 18 and 91 respectively. In 2022 and 2021, there were more than 60 such collision incidents, although before the COVID-19 pandemic, there used to be a total of about 40 to 50 incidents per year.

These statistics have raised concerns among airline companies. A collision with a bird can cause a plane to break apart, potentially leading to the loss of many lives. Moreover, almost all types of such collisions—whether minor or major—result in significant financial losses, which is another major headache for the airlines.

In the past, to address this problem, the airport authorities had employed personnel who could catch and chase away birds. In addition, bangers and firecrackers were used to scare the birds away.

However, nowadays the use of bangers and firecrackers has been prohibited. Meanwhile, heaps of garbage have accumulated in the surrounding market areas, and the birds’ numbers are steadily increasing due to the lure of food from this waste.

Against this backdrop, the airport authorities plan to use sonic and ultrasonic sound wave management systems to repel the birds. According to sources, these invisible waves scare and confuse the birds, causing them to flee the area.

On the other hand, the airport authorities have also contacted the local municipal bodies, requesting that they promptly and regularly clear the garbage from the areas surrounding the airport. However, according to sources, Dum Dum Municipality, North Dum Dum Municipality, New Barrackpore Municipality, and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation did not respond accordingly. Only the Madhyamgram Municipality authorities have complied with the airport’s request.