Indian airports have recorded a steady increase in number of bird hits and aircraft run-ins with stray animals over at least the past five years, according to official data, illustrating the potential safety risks and losses the aviation industry confronts from such accidents as the fleet of planes operated by domestic airlines expands rapidly.
In 2018, the number of bird hits and animal strikes was 1,244, compared with 1,125 in 2017, 839 in 2016, 764 in 2015 and 719 in 2014, according to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data provided in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Hindustan Times.
