Despite airports employing a range of methods to prevent bird-related incidents, no solution has yet proven foolproof. A Wizz Air flight from Eindhoven to Budapest collided with a bird that was sucked into one of the aircraft’s engines, prompting a thorough inspection and causing significant delays. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Wizz Air emergency landing explained

Airports worldwide continue to face challenges in preventing bird strikes, which still occasionally result in incidents such as this. Prevention strategies vary and include the use of trained birds of prey (such as falcons—Budapest Airport being one such example), sound cannons, audio deterrents, and predator-shaped drones. Patrols monitor for bird activity, relocate local populations to safer areas, and sometimes employ chemical deterrents—though this practice is not used in Europe. Still, none of these measures offer complete protection, and birds often adapt quickly. Some deterrents now even utilise GSM modules to improve their effectiveness.

Nevertheless, collisions still occur , as seen with yesterday’s Wizz Air flight from Eindhoven to Budapest. Although the aircraft departed the Dutch city with a 49-minute delay, it was forced to turn back shortly after take-off due to a bird being ingested into one of the engines. Following a safe emergency landing, passengers were informed that a two-hour technical inspection would be required. During this time, the Hungarian budget airline issued digital vouchers for food and drinks.