New Delhi: IGI Airport has witnessed a rising trend in bird hits in recent times due to poor civic conditions outside the premises of India’s biggest aviation hub. According to airport sources, the number of bird-hit cases outside IGIA affecting aircraft taking off or landing was 90 in 2024 and 460 in 2025. This year till Sept, that number stood at 209. Similarly, the number of bird hits reported inside the airport was 89 in 2024, 117 in 2025, and 63 till this Sept.While Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) can take care of the surroundings inside IGIA, the conditions outside the premises fall within the jurisdiction of various agencies. On Aug 24, Airfield Environment Management Committee, which comprises of members from all stakeholders, held a meeting on the issue.Its minutes showed the “DIAL representative presented issues related to waste disposal and unauthorised meat vending along aircraft approach paths”. The minutes stated, “The DIAL representative informed that many peafowl, monkeys and dogs are observed around IGIA. This gives a safety threat to VVIPs, foreign delegates and passengers… Any strike involving these species could result into substantial aircraft damage and passenger safety due to their mass.”Other areas that need attention, as per the minutes, include Rangpuri Pahadi for sewage accumulation, illegal chicken market in RK Puram, waste dumping in Dwarka and Jai Hind Colony in Vasant Kunj, and improper garbage disposal at dhalaos.
