Bird Strike Simulation and Safety Protocols in Indian Aviation

Bird strike simulation is a critical and globally mandated aviation safety procedure involving the testing of aircraft engines and windshields by firing dead birds, commonly chickens, at high speeds. Originating in the 1950s with British aerospace engineers, this testing method ensures aircraft engines can safely handle bird collisions during takeoff and landing without catastrophic failure. Cockpit windshields are also tested to withstand such impacts without endangering pilots or compromising cabin pressurization. In India, bird strike incidents have notably increased, with nearly 2,800 events recorded at ten major airports between 2020 and mid-2025. Airports like Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have reported the highest incidents. The rise is attributed to post-pandemic recovery in flight operations and expanding urban development near airports that disrupts bird habitats, increasing birds in flight paths. Indian airports are responding with Wildlife Hazard Management Plans to mitigate these risks. Additionally, the aviation industry in India faces broader challenges including economic issues for independent insurance agencies, concerns over aircraft quality such as with the Airbus A320, and the need for advanced forging technologies to enhance component reliability. These factors emphasize the importance of stringent safety protocols and maintenance. Recent market responses, including declines in Airbus share prices, highlight the critical nature of maintaining engine integrity and preventing foreign object damage. Aerospace companies are advancing technology and reinforcing quality control to meet these safety demands. Overall, the combination of rigorous testing, continuous innovation, and regulatory compliance underpins the safety and reliability of modern air travel.