Egypt implements new plan to address bird hazards at Hurghada Airport

Hurghada International Airport is rolling out a comprehensive plan to tackle bird and wildlife hazards, a critical component of aviation safety. The Egyptian Airports Company, under the Civil Aviation Authority, is engaging specialized firms to manage these risks, ensuring the smooth operation of air traffic.

The initiative involves deploying advanced equipment, including handheld lasers and devices that emit distress and deterrent sounds. Vehicle-mounted amplifiers will also be used to disperse birds and wildlife away from runways and taxiways. These measures are deemed essential due to the significant increase in air traffic and tourism in the Red Sea Governorate.

Airport sources highlighted that managing bird populations is a core part of risk management. Continuous monitoring of areas surrounding the airport and the use of specialized, safety-compliant methods are key. Previous reports have noted congregations of birds of prey near the airport, attracted by food waste from local hotels, prompting complaints from airlines about potential risks to aircraft safety during takeoff and landing.