Two Indian planes are struck by birds, animals every day

At least two planes are struck every single day in India by birds while airborne or animals on runways, according to data obtained from India’s air regulator.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data recorded more than 4,000 incidents of wildlife strikes at 80 airports over the past five years.

The country’s top two airports, New Delhi and Mumbai, had the most with 200 wildlife strikes between them in 2016.

Poor waste management in settlements located near airports are thought to contribute by attracting wildlife looking for food.

"Small insects, food particles, water bodies that attract birds are found in abundance during the rainy season leading to an increase in cases in monsoon season," a DGCA official said.

"In 2% of cases, wild animals such as deer, wild boar and jackal sneak into airports, occupy the runaways and collide with planes."

The regulator also noted the poor maintenance and security at airport perimeter fences and walls, allowing wildlife easy access onto runways.

The data was published the same day an IndiGo flight with over 150 passengers on board, was forced to make an emergency landing at Chhattisgarh after a bird strike shortly after take-off.