25/09/2026
How Astana Airport Protects Aircraft from Bird Strikes
Kazakhstan
The number of confirmed bird strikes at Astana International Airport has more than halved—dropping from 11 to 5 incidents over comparable periods—according to the airport's press service, as reported by the Kazinform agency.
While 11 confirmed bird strikes were recorded at Astana International Airport during the same period last year, only five have been reported this year.
Peak bird activity occurs between 03:00 and 11:00 and between 15:00 and 23:00. During these hours, specialists pay close attention to the ornithological situation and bird movements in the airfield vicinity.
Common species include gulls, crows, pigeons, magpies, and kestrels. Their behavior and movement patterns vary depending on the season, time of day, and food availability.
Gulls require particular attention. In the autumn, specialists observe mass flights between a nearby lake and the municipal solid waste landfill. The birds move en masse in one direction in the morning and return in the evening. Ornithologists constantly monitor these flight paths, as they may cross areas used by aircraft.
To deter birds and animals, specialists employ BirdGard bioacoustic systems, mechanical deterrents, noise pistols, pyrotechnic signal launchers, laser deterrents, and other tools. A vehicle equipped with a mobile bioacoustic system is also used.
However, the work of the ornithologists is not limited to simply scaring birds away from the airfield grounds. It is crucial for specialists to understand where the birds are arriving from and where they are heading, how their flight paths shift throughout the day and the seasons, and whether their presence is an isolated incident or part of a regular mass migration. Consequently, a significant portion of the work involves continuous monitoring and analysis of avian activity. The airport noted that the most challenging period for the ornithological service is from April to October, when bird activity at the airfield increases substantially.
In aviation, a collision between an aircraft and a bird is known as a "bird strike."
It was previously reported that Astana Airport had expanded its aircraft de-icing capabilities ahead of the winter season. The new equipment is capable of operating in wind speeds of up to 20 m/s, whereas the previous equipment was limited to 15 m/s.
Source: https://www.aviaport.ru/