Winter migratory swans spotted at Myeongji Tidal Flats near Gimhae Airport (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
BUSAN, Dec. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — As bird strikes remain a persistent threat to aviation safety in South Korea, recent data underscores the risks faced by major airports, particularly Gimhae International Airport, which sits adjacent to one of the nation’s key migratory bird habitats.
According to records obtained by Rep. Lee Yeon-hee from the Korea Airports Corporation, Gimhae International Airport reported the highest number of bird strikes among South Korea’s airports from 2019 through August 2024, with 147 incidents out of approximately 427,000 flights.
By comparison, Gimpo Airport, with nearly double the flight volume, recorded 140 incidents, while Jeju Airport logged 119.
Although the frequency of bird strikes relative to flights is highest at Muan International Airport, the small number of incidents there—10 over six years—renders its statistics less significant. Gimhae Airport’s rate of 0.034% places it among the highest in the country, alongside Daegu Airport, among the six major airports analyzed.
Experts attribute Gimhae’s elevated bird strike risk to its proximity to the Nakdong River Estuary, a critical habitat for migratory birds. Notable species frequenting the area include swans, cranes, geese, and ducks—large birds capable of inflicting severe damage during collisions with aircraft.
This geographic vulnerability has long made the airport a focal point for safety measures and monitoring during peak migratory seasons.
Drones being used near Incheon International Airport to prevent bird strikes (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
To mitigate these risks, Gimhae Airport employs 16 personnel dedicated to bird control. These teams use a range of methods, from deploying noise-making devices and reflective tape to applying bird repellents and capturing birds in critical areas.
Despite having fewer personnel than Gimpo or Jeju Airports, Gimhae benefits from additional bird control efforts conducted by military forces, as it also serves as an airbase.
Bird strikes have also fueled debates over the necessity of a new airport. While advocates of the planned Gaduk New Airport have cited safety concerns at Gimhae as one justification, critics argue that Gaduk’s location also poses risks.
Environmental groups have warned that Gaduk’s proximity to coastal and riverine ecosystems could create similar bird strike hazards.
In response, the city of Busan has conducted studies on avian migration patterns and strategies to minimize collision risks at Gaduk. However, experts caution that no airport is entirely immune to bird strikes given the geographic and environmental realities of South Korea. Instead, they emphasize the need for comprehensive preventative measures.
“Every airport faces some degree of risk from bird strikes,” said Jo Jin-su, an emeritus professor at Hanyang University and former advisor to the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board.
“New airports must be designed with these threats in mind, incorporating longer and more numerous runways to allow for safer operations under emergency conditions.”
As South Korea advances its plans for Gaduk New Airport, the persistent challenge of bird strikes serves as a reminder of the complexities in balancing aviation safety with environmental and logistical considerations.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
