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Rising Risks: The Growing Threat of Bird Strikes in Aviation

On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, carrying 150 passengers, departed LaGuardia Airport bound for Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The day was calm, and pilots Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles anticipated a routine flight. However, just moments after takeoff, the aircraft struck a flock of Canadian geese, causing both engines to fail. With no power and limited options, Captain Sullenberger and his crew performed an emergency landing on the Hudson River, saving all 150 passengers with only minor injuries. This event, later called the “Miracle on the Hudson,” highlighted both the dangers of bird strikes and the importance of swift decision-making in critical moments. However, even though this incident ended as a miracle, not all incidents involving bird strikes end so safely.

First of all, what is a bird strike? A bird strike occurs when airborne birds collide with vehicles, typically aircraft. Despite their smaller size, the immense speed and mass of aircraft make these collisions dangerous—for both the bird and the aircraft. Bird strikes can damage vital components such as engines or windshields, potentially forcing emergency landings and endangering passengers. For instance, on October 4, 1960, Eastern Air Lines Flight 375 collided with a flock of starlings shortly after takeoff, resulting in a crash that killed 62 of the 72 people on board. The collision disabled one of its engines, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of bird strikes.

Beyond the safety risks, bird strikes impose significant financial burdens on the aviation industry. Each strike costs an average of $39,705 due to repair expenses, flight delays, customer compensation, and more. Globally, commercial airlines spend over $1.2 billion annually on bird strike-related costs, making it a persistent financial concern.

In response to these risks, airports worldwide have implemented measures to prevent bird strikes. These include bird-repelling sound systems, visual deterrents like bird netting, and trained raptors to keep birds away. Environmental conservation efforts also aim to preserve natural habitats, reducing the need for birds to venture near airports. Despite these initiatives, the rapid rise in bird strikes suggests more needs to be done.

Over the past 30 years, bird strike reports have surged from 1,800 in 1990 to an alarming 17,357 in 2019—an average of more than 47 strikes per day. This dramatic increase raises concerns globally about aviation safety.

Two major factors contribute to this trend. First, rising populations of migratory birds, such as Canada geese and snow geese, increase the likelihood of collisions. Second, advancements in aviation technology have made planes faster and quieter, giving birds less time to detect and evade them. These factors exacerbate the frequency of bird strikes, posing a growing challenge for the aviation industry.

Less than a week ago, on December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216 skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport and collided with a concrete barrier, killing 179 of the 181 passengers. One suspected cause of this disaster is a bird strike, underscoring that this is not just a historical issue but an ongoing and urgent problem. As incidents like this continue to occur, global concerns about aviation safety and the effectiveness of bird strike prevention strategies are reaching new heights.

Bird strikes are an escalating threat to aviation—costing billions annually, endangering passengers, and impacting wildlife. As the frequency of these incidents grows, so does the need for improved prevention methods. The aviation industry must act swiftly to develop more effective solutions to protect passengers, safeguard wildlife, and ensure the future of safe air travel.



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