"Preventing Bird Strikes"... Incheon Airport Introduces 'Bird Detection Radar'

Equipment to Be Installed and Operated Next Year...
Advanced Optimization Planned
"Expected to Be Useful for Habitat Management and Deterrence Planning"

Incheon International Airport Corporation announced on May 2 that it will formally introduce a "bird detection radar" system to prevent bird strike accidents involving aircraft.

Incheon International Airport panorama. Courtesy of Incheon Airport Corporation

After completing the design service this year, the equipment will be installed and operational next year. The system will continue to be upgraded through an optimization process until 2027. The equipment will be initially installed at seven airports in Korea, including Incheon International Airport.

Bird strikes are accidents that occur when birds collide with an aircraft’s engine, fuselage, or other parts during takeoff, landing, or flight. These incidents are considered one of the primary threats to safe aircraft operations at airports.

The newly introduced bird detection radar uses radio waves to detect birds approaching the airport and the takeoff and landing paths in real time. Controllers and prevention personnel can instantly view various details such as the size, altitude, speed, and movement path of the birds. The corporation explained that the system can accurately identify the presence of birds even in conditions where visual observation is difficult, such as at night, in severe weather, or from a distance.

Additionally, the radar includes a data accumulation function for seasonal bird activity and movement patterns. The corporation expects that this collected data will be useful for managing nearby habitats and developing bird deterrence plans in the future.

Lee Hakjae, President of the corporation, stated, "We are fully aware of the public’s high level of interest and concern regarding aviation safety. Through the introduction of this bird detection radar, Incheon Airport will create a safer operating environment for aircraft and take the lead in implementing systems for safety and innovation as Korea’s gateway airport."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.