Bird Strike Occurrence and Control at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Bird strike is a problem that costs the global aviation industry over one billion US Dollars annually and endanger human lives. Nigeria like every other country is not exempted from this menace. This study focuses on bird strike hazard at Murtala Muhammed lnternational Airport (MMIA) Lagos. The study specıfically examined the incidence of reported bird strikes from 2004 to 2014 and the control facilities and measures used at the airport. Data were obtained from the Nigeria Civil Authority (NCAA), Wildlife Hazard Control Unit of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Environment and Airport Safety Management Department of MMIA. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables with percentages and graphs. The results indicate that the highest number of strikes (18%) occurred in 2009 for the period under study. Almost 60% of the strikes occurred during the day time, while 58.4% of the strike cases are associated with landing and take off phases. Results also show that bird strike management methods used at MMIA include habitat management techniques involving adoption of long grass policy (150-200mm high) and grade improvement. Others include exclusion techniques such as perimeter fencing and use of anti-perching spikes on airfield infrastructure and use of pyrotechnics like bangers and scarers to disperse birds from the airfield. It is recommended that airports in the country should embark on habitat management programmes that will make airports less attractive to birds and other wildlife. In addition, while there is the need to properly train and equip bird control officials at the nation's airports, modern forensic technology should be adopted for proper identification of bird remains for more effective control.