SVPI sees 38 bird strikes, 1 animal incursion in a year

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport in Ahmedabad, India, has a higher risk of bird strikes and animal incursions compared to other major airports in the country. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the airport recorded 39 instances of avian strikes and animal incursions, higher than airports in Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, and Vadodara. The airport operator blames civic concerns regarding cleanliness and the influx of migratory birds in Ahmedabad for the high number of incidents. Other factors include the presence of food, water bodies, and structures that attract birds, as well as pigeon rearing and animals entering the airport premises.