Rajahmundry airport authorities revealed on Monday that at least 31 bird hit incidents were recorded during the flight services in 2025-26, owing to unofficial dumping yards and dumping of poultry waste around the airport attracting the birds.

However, no untoward incident occurred during the bird hit incidents, claimed Rajahmundry airport Director K. Preetha and Terminal Manager Krishna Chaitanya during a meeting held to review the challenges for safe flight operations. The meeting of the Rajahmundry Airport Airfield Environment Management Committee was chaired by East Godavari district Joint Collector Y. Megha Swaroop.

“The unofficial dumping yards of solid waste in the surrounding areas of airport, such as Madhurapudi, Gummaluru and Burugupudi and dumping of poultry waste are attracting the birds, posing a challenge for safe flight operations,” Ms. Preetha said. The committee has decided to initiate action to prevent unofficial dumping yards and construction activities within 10 km radius of the airport.

Mr. Swaroop has directed the officials of various departments such as Revenue, Gram Panchayats and Rajamahendravaram Urban Development Authority to not allow construction activities within 10 km radius of the airport without ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Airport Authority of India.

The police authorities have been directed not to permit laser shows and heavy lighting during weddings and festivals surrounding the airport. Mr. Swaroop has also suggested that a solar fencing should be installed on the boundary wall of the airport.

Published - July 27, 2026 09:18 pm IST