Pune, 20 June 2025: In the past few weeks, the increasing presence of birds near Pune International Airport at Lohegaon has raised serious safety concerns for flights. On June 5, a Delhi-to-Pune flight had to be diverted to Surat just minutes before landing due to unexpected birds near the runway.
A similar problem on May 20 caused a six-hour delay for a Hyderabad-bound flight as authorities worked to clear the birds and complete defence-related work.
Experts say rapid urban growth around the airport is attracting more birds. High-rise buildings, roadside food stalls, and poor garbage disposal create ideal conditions for birds like crows, kites, and pigeons to gather. These birds often fly at low heights and can pose a danger to aircraft engines during takeoff and landing, even though modern engines can handle small bird strikes to some extent.
This problem is more serious because the airport also shares airspace with a key Indian Air Force base. Some former aviation officials say that although an Aerodrome Environment Committee exists to handle such issues, its effectiveness is unclear. Local civic representatives admit that garbage management in areas like Vimannagar needs improvement, despite claims by waste collection agencies that cleanups happen daily.
The Indian Air Force has now set up a special team to address the bird hazard near the runway. Wildlife and environmental experts have suggested steps like installing barriers on nearby buildings, covering drains, removing stagnant water, and stopping people from feeding birds within two kilometres of the airport.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, but experts believe a stronger and more regular approach is needed. Better coordination between the airport, city officials, and the public will be key to keeping the area clean and safe for flights in the future.
