Bird-hit cases on aircrafts in India jump sharply, rising over 130% in four years

India has recorded close to 130% rise in bird-hit incidents involving aircrafts between 2021 and 2025, according to data shared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in the Lok Sabha.

Bird hits, which occur when birds collide with aircraft during take-off, landing, or low-altitude flight, have long been a safety concern for airlines and airports. The latest figures, however, point to a worrying upward trend.

In 2021, India reported 775 bird-hit cases. The number surged to 1,131 in 2022, marking a nearly 46% jump in a single year. The rise continued into 2023, with 1,371 incidents, before dipping slightly to 1,278 in 2024. But 2025 saw the highest spike yet, climbing to 1,782 cases, the largest annual tally in the five-year period.

While bird-hit incidents rose, the Ministry’s data points to improvements in other areas of aviation safety. Technical faults detected on aircraft have declined consistently, dropping from 448 cases in 2023 to 421 in 2024, and further down to 353 in 2025.

Airline disruptions also featured in the Ministry’s report. Between 2023 and 2025, IndiGo recorded 24,083 flight cancellations, paying out ₹22.74 crore in compensation to affected passengers. In December 2025, IndiGo, which is considered as one of the largest airlines in the country went through a scheduling crisis, triggered by its failure to adjust to the new flight crew roster regulations mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Government of India. In contrast to the rise in bird strikes, one of the sector’s most positive indicators came from workforce data. The number of licences issued to women pilots saw an 89.71% increase between 2021 and 2025. Licences rose from 243 in 2021 to 465 in 2025, reflecting a sustained push toward gender diversity in Indian aviation. As of December 31, 2025, India had 3,327 active women pilots, one of the highest proportions globally.

In contrast to the rise in bird strikes, one of the sector’s most positive indicators came from workforce data. The number of licences issued to women pilots saw an 89.71% increase between 2021 and 2025. Licences rose from 243 in 2021 to 465 in 2025, reflecting a sustained push toward gender diversity in Indian aviation. As of December 31, 2025, India had 3,327 active women pilots.