The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has taken a significant step toward enhancing aviation safety by awarding a KSh 91.52 million contract for the supply and installation of a bird detection radar system at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This initiative aims to mitigate bird strikes, which pose a persistent threat to aircraft safety, especially during takeoff and landing.
Bird strikes have long been a challenge for the aviation industry worldwide, often resulting in severe damage to aircraft engines, windshields, and other critical components. In extreme cases, they can lead to emergency landings and financial losses for airlines. Kenya, being a country with diverse wildlife and migratory bird patterns, has experienced incidents where birds collide with planes, posing risks to passengers and crew.
At JKIA, one of Africa’s busiest airports, bird strikes are a known hazard due to the airport’s proximity to open fields and wetlands that attract bird populations. With increased air traffic and growing airline operations, addressing this challenge has become a top priority for KAA.
The bird detection radar system will provide real-time monitoring of bird movements within and around JKIA. By using advanced radar technology, the system will detect and track bird activity, allowing airport authorities to take proactive measures to prevent potential collisions.
The radar functions by:
Monitoring bird movements – The system continuously scans the airspace and provides data on bird size, flight patterns, and locations.
Issuing real-time alerts – If a flock of birds is detected near an active runway, the system will alert air traffic controllers, who can warn pilots or delay takeoffs and landings if necessary.
Helping in habitat management – By identifying high-risk areas, the system will assist in modifying airport landscapes to discourage birds from nesting near runways.
For airlines operating at JKIA, the installation of this radar is a game-changer. Reducing bird strikes means fewer aircraft repairs, lower maintenance costs, and improved safety for passengers and crew. Airlines will also experience fewer flight delays and cancellations caused by bird-related incidents, leading to better service reliability.
Additionally, passengers will benefit from enhanced safety, reduced flight disruptions, and more efficient air travel. The move aligns with global aviation best practices, as major airports worldwide have successfully implemented similar radar systems to improve airspace safety.
The installation of the bird detection radar is part of KAA’s broader efforts to enhance aviation security and operational efficiency at JKIA. Over the years, the authority has invested in modern infrastructure, including runway upgrades, advanced air traffic control systems, and safety training for airport personnel.
By implementing this new technology, KAA demonstrates its commitment to making JKIA a safer and more reliable hub for international and domestic flights. The project is expected to be completed in the coming months, setting a new standard for wildlife management in Kenya’s aviation sector.
The KSh 91.52 million investment in bird detection radar at JKIA is a crucial step in addressing one of the most persistent risks in aviation. This initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to airlines, passengers, and the aviation industry as a whole. As Kenya continues to position itself as a key player in global air transport, such technological advancements will be essential in ensuring safe and efficient air travel.
