Pune, 8th August 2026: Black kites have emerged as the biggest bird-related threat to the safety of civilian and military aircraft operating from Pune International Airport and Lohegaon Air Force Station, according to observations by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The large birds are frequently seen circling at considerable heights around the airport and can enter aircraft flight paths during the most sensitive phases of take-off and landing. Open garbage dumping and inadequate waste management around the airport are believed to be major reasons for the increasing bird activity.
To reduce the risk, the IAF has intensified preventive measures around the runway. These include:
Eight bird-distraction modules installed around the runway area.
Regular human patrols at 16 locations to monitor bird activity.
Continuous monitoring of bird movement around the airfield.
Coordination with the Pune Municipal Corporation, district administration and other agencies to improve waste management.
Lohegaon Air Force Station is used regularly for fighter aircraft training, while the same runway also handles a large volume of civilian flights. The airport records an average of around 240 civilian flights a day, or nearly 72,000 flights annually.
Pune is home to nearly 200 bird species, with around 20 species regularly seen within the aircraft operating zone. However, the black kite poses the greatest concern because of its large size and tendency to fly at higher altitudes.
The scale of the problem is reflected in national data. Between 2020 and June 2025, 5,740 bird-strike incidents were reported across the country, resulting in damage to 804 aircraft. Some incidents have also caused serious injuries to pilots.
IAF officials said bird strikes remain a significant aviation safety challenge, particularly when birds enter aircraft paths during take-off and landing.
IAF Public Relations Officer Ankush Chavan said open garbage and inadequate waste disposal around the airport are among the main reasons for the growing presence of birds.
He said birds such as black kites are attracted to the area in search of food, increasing the risk during aircraft operations. The IAF has repeatedly raised the issue with the PMC, district administration and other agencies and has held several meetings seeking better waste-management arrangements.
However, the IAF said the improvements so far have not been adequate and that a long-term solution requires effective and timely removal of waste from areas surrounding the airport.
Poor waste management is creating another concern. Uncollected garbage attracts large numbers of stray dogs, which in turn can attract wild animals.
A few days ago, a leopard entered the airport area while following stray dogs. The IAF and Forest Department carried out an operation to capture the animal and eventually succeeded.
The incident highlighted that better waste management is important not only for controlling bird activity but also for preventing the movement of wildlife towards the airport.
The area around Pune Airport and Lohegaon Air Force Station is a sensitive and restricted zone, where flying drones is strictly prohibited.
Despite the restriction, incidents of drones being flown in the area have been reported. The IAF said complaints are filed with the police against those violating the restriction.
The IAF has appealed to citizens to avoid flying drones near the airport and to remain aware of aviation-security requirements.