A high-level meeting was held in the ministry on Wednesday due to concerns about the increasing number of bird strikes near Mumbai airport. Cabinet Minister Ashish Sheller, Brihanm Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials and officials of the airport discussed the issue and possible solutions.

Strike on bird rhise

The data shared by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) saw a clear increase in bird attacks over the years. There were 20 incidents in 2020, which increased to 59 in 2024. In the first half of 2025, 19 bird attacks have already been reported.
These events often occur during takeoff or landing, when the aircraft are flying at the lower heights. In 2024 alone, there were 19 strikes between 501–1,000 ft, 17–500 ft and even between 3,000 feet above 3,000 feet.

What is the reason for this?

Authorities have identified Donor and Kanjurmarg landfill, along with Versova West Transfer Center, as major problems areas. These spots are close to the flight path of the airport and attract a large number of birds due to open and exposed food waste.

Steps to fix the problem

Minister Sheller asked BMC officials to quickly complete the long -pending modernization of the Versova Center. Plans include:

• Build a shed to cover garbage
• Establish an inaccessible control system to keep birds away
• Using a mobile waste compactor to reduce exposed waste

Sheller also asked for a detailed report on the issue and proposed to organize a hackathon to invite new ideas and technology-based solutions from experts and startups.

Flemingos Add to danger

A major concern during the meeting was the increasing number of flamingos near the airport. These birds, especially during the migration season, increase the risk to the aircraft.
On May 20, 2024, a Emirates flight from Dubai to Mumbai hit a flelingos flock during the final approach to 1,000 feet in the Ghatkopar east. The aircraft landed safely, but the return flight was canceled due to loss. About 40 flamingo died.

Why bird strikes are dangerous

Bird strikes can be very dangerous. When birds are sucked into a jet engine, they can cause engine failure. This is the same that took place during the landing of the famous Hudson River of 2009, when an aircraft hit the flock of Geese soon after the takeoff and had to make an emergency landing on the river.

Parts of bird strike aircraft can damage parts such as wings, windshields and body (torso), which can affect flight control or safety. They are usually at low height, the same place where birds fly, especially during the migration period.

Toi to input