In the wake of the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad, which claimed over 270 lives, Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar is implementing urgent safety upgrades to prevent similar incidents.
Key Concerns at BPIA:
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Frequent Bird Strikes: The airport records 3–4 bird hits per month, among the highest in eastern India. The issue stems from:
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Water bodies and trees near runways.
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Illegal meat/fish shops attracting scavenger birds.
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Obstructions in Flight Path:
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Tall coconut trees on Nilakantheswar Temple grounds and unauthorized buildings interfere with the runway’s approach zone.
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These hazards have delayed the activation of Category-II Instrument Landing System (ILS), critical during low-visibility conditions.
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Mitigation Measures Underway:
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A 21-member bird-chasing squad is operating 24/7 using:
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Firecrackers
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Thunder booms
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Zone guns
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Trees in areas like Jagamara, Pokhariput, and Gandamunda are being pruned or felled to deter nesting.
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BPIA is pressuring authorities to demolish encroachments and remove flagged obstructions.
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has refused to clear advanced landing systems until these hazards are addressed. A joint survey by BMC, BDA, GA Dept, Police, and OUAT has identified multiple obstacle violations near Runway-14.
The Air India tragedy has acted as a wake-up call for airports across India. In Bhubaneswar, the focus is now firmly on minimizing flight risks through stronger enforcement, environmental management, and infrastructure upgrades.
