How Airports Can Manage Bird Strike Hazards During Peak Flight Operations And Seasonal Bird Movements

An Air Peace aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Abuja to Kano has been grounded after experiencing a bird strike upon arrival at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, once again highlighting growing concerns over wildlife hazards in Nigerian aviation operations.

The airline disclosed the incident on Wednesday, saying the aircraft was withdrawn from service in line with aviation safety procedures.

According to Air Peace, the bird strike occurred shortly after the aircraft landed in Kano.
The airline said the aircraft is undergoing technical assessments to determine the extent of any damage before it can return to service.

“In strict compliance with aviation safety protocols, the affected aircraft has been grounded for comprehensive technical assessments,” the airline said.

Air Peace said it immediately deployed another aircraft to continue operations on the route and reduce inconvenience to affected passengers.

The airline noted that the decision was taken to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely in accordance with operational standards.

The carrier expressed regret over the disruption and appealed for understanding from affected passengers.

The growing dispute between domestic airlines and airport authorities over the rising incidence of bird strikes at Nigerian airports has once again drawn attention to the challenge of wildlife hazard management within the aviation sector.

As concerns grow, aviation experts and stakeholders have outlined practical measures airports can adopt to reduce the risk of bird strikes and improve safety during peak flight operations and periods of increased bird activity.

How Airports Can Manage Bird Strike Hazards During Peak Flight Operations and Seasonal Bird Movements

Revive Dedicated Ornithology And Bird Control Programmes

Aviation security expert and former military commandant of Lagos Airport, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), believes airports should return to some of the wildlife management strategies that were previously successful.

According to him, bird strike incidents at the Murtala Muhammed Airport were significantly reduced in the past through dedicated ornithology units and specialised bird-abatement programmes.

Ojikutu recalled that airport authorities once maintained ornithological services and bird control teams that monitored bird activity and addressed environmental conditions that attracted birds to airport environments.

He argued that reviving such programmes would provide airports with scientific data on bird behaviour and migration patterns, enabling more effective hazard management.

Strengthen Wildlife Control Departments

The Secretary-General of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Comrade Abdulrazaq Saidu, stressed that airport authorities already have structures in place to address wildlife hazards.

According to him, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) operates a dedicated Wildlife Control Department, which should be fully functional and adequately equipped to manage bird strike risks.

Saidu maintained that wildlife control should remain a core responsibility of airport management, with officers conducting regular surveillance, risk assessments, and preventive measures around airport facilities.
He noted that strengthening these units would improve monitoring and ensure faster responses to emerging bird strike threats.

Eliminate Environmental Conditions That Attract Birds

For Dr. Femi Aiyegbajeje, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, effective bird strike management must focus heavily on environmental control.

He explained that most bird strikes occur during takeoff and landing, making the airport environment and surrounding communities critical areas of concern.

According to Aiyegbajeje, airports should prioritise:

• The elimination of open refuse dumps around airport corridors.
• Proper waste management and disposal systems.
• Control of illegal dumping activities.
• Reduction of food sources that attract birds.
• Improved environmental sanitation around airport boundaries.

He specifically highlighted Lagos as an example where uncontrolled waste disposal around airport environments can significantly increase bird activity and elevate the risk of strikes.

Improve Coordination Between Airport Authorities And Host Communities

Experts also believe airports cannot tackle bird strike hazards alone.
Many bird-attracting activities occur outside airport fences, including waste dumping, livestock activities, open markets, and unmanaged wetlands.

Airport operators, local governments, environmental agencies, and community leaders must therefore collaborate to identify and eliminate environmental conditions that encourage bird congregation near flight paths.
Such partnerships would help create safer airspace around airports while reducing long-term wildlife risks.

Invest in Continuous Monitoring and Data Collection

The collection and analysis of bird strike data, regular monitoring allows airport authorities to identify patterns, understand bird behaviour, and develop targeted mitigation strategies.

Maintaining accurate records of bird strike incidents can also help authorities determine high-risk periods, seasonal migration trends, and specific airport locations requiring additional intervention.

Deploy Modern Bird Detection Technology

Globally, many airports are adopting advanced technologies to reduce bird strike incidents.
These include:

• Bird detection radar systems.
• Thermal imaging equipment.
• Acoustic deterrent devices.
• Laser bird dispersal systems.
• Automated wildlife monitoring tools.

Such technologies enable airport authorities to detect bird activity early and take preventive action before aircraft movements are affected.

The increasing number of bird strike incidents reported by airlines highlights the need for a more proactive approach to wildlife hazard management.