Indian Air Force Deploys Special Measures at Pune Airport to Deter Bird Activity
Lohgaon, 9th June 2025: In response to rising bird activity around Pune Airport, the Indian Air Force has introduced a new measure to ensure flight safety: the use of a high-decibel “zone gun” designed to scare away birds near the runway. Despite routine firecracker bursts, bird presence has continued to pose a serious risk to flight operations, prompting this enhanced step.
According to airport officials, an increase in bird movement near the runway has recently disrupted flight schedules. On Friday, a Delhi-to-Pune flight had to be diverted to Surat due to significant bird activity near the landing strip. Just a few days earlier, airport operations were delayed by over three hours due to a similar issue.
Key Measures Taken by the Indian Air Force
Pune Airport operates as part of an Air Force base, with the runway under Air Force control. Given the increased bird threats, the following steps have been initiated:
Deployment of Zone Gun: A specialized sound-emitting device that creates loud noises to scare away birds from the vicinity of the runway.
Bird Control Team: A dedicated five-member squad has been assigned specifically to monitor and disperse birds near the airstrip.
Vegetation Management: Regular trimming of grass near the runway is being carried out to reduce nesting and feeding spots.
Routine Patrolling: Daily patrols are conducted around the airfield, especially during early mornings and evenings.
Use of Firecrackers: Alongside the zone gun, firecrackers continue to be used as a supplementary deterrent.
A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has also been issued to pilots, alerting them to the bird activity and precautionary actions in place.
Airport Director Santosh Dhoke commented, “While bird movement occasionally disrupts flight schedules, the Indian Air Force’s strategic measures are proving effective in minimizing the risks and ensuring safer operations.”
One of the main concerns highlighted is the dumping of meat waste near the airport boundary walls, which attracts birds. Authorities are expected to investigate this issue further to prevent such practices.
With these measures, Pune Airport aims to provide a safer environment for aircraft operations and minimize disruptions to passengers.
