Foxes Turn Surat International Airport Into Wildlife Risk Zone

Surat | Gujarat — The growing presence of wild animals inside the operational area of Surat International Airport has sparked serious aviation safety concerns, with officials and passengers increasingly alarmed by repeated wildlife sightings on the runway. What was once considered an isolated incident is now being viewed as a worrying pattern, with insiders saying the airport is slowly turning into an “abode of foxes and other wildlife”.

The issue came into sharp focus last week when an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad collided with a fox while landing in Surat, narrowly avoiding what could have been a catastrophic accident. The aircraft, carrying over 150 passengers, experienced a strong jolt upon touchdown when the animal ran across the runway and struck the plane. The pilot managed to control the aircraft and safely taxi it to the apron, preventing a major disaster.

However, the collision has exposed a much larger and deeper problem — repeated wildlife intrusion despite high-security compound walls and restricted access.

Runway Turning Into Wildlife Zone

Airport staff and ground personnel say fox sightings inside the airport premises are no longer rare. Multiple reports suggest that foxes and other animals have been spotted roaming near the runway and taxiways, especially during night hours.

“This is no longer a one-off incident. Wildlife movement inside the airport has become frequent. It is a serious safety threat,” a senior airport source said.

Experts warn that wildlife strikes during takeoff or landing are among the most dangerous risks in aviation. Even a small animal can cause engine damage or destabilise an aircraft during high-speed operations.

How Are Animals Entering a High-Security Zone?

One of the biggest concerns is how wild animals are breaching the airport’s perimeter despite strong compound walls and surveillance systems. Following the recent collision, airport authorities have begun a full-scale perimeter audit to identify possible gaps, weak fencing or areas where animals may be digging tunnels to enter the airfield.

Officials suspect that the airport’s expanding boundaries and surrounding open land may be attracting wildlife into the operational zone.

“The entire boundary is being checked. We are examining whether animals are digging from below or entering through damaged sections of fencing,” an airport official confirmed.

Forest Department Launches Operation

The seriousness of the situation has prompted authorities to seek help from the Forest Department. Trapping cages have been installed at multiple locations across the airport premises, and night patrols have been intensified.

Forest officials are now conducting search operations to identify and capture wild animals that may be living inside the airport compound.

“Our teams are working with airport security to ensure the runway is completely safe. Wildlife inside an airport is a major risk,” a forest department official said.

A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety

While engineers confirmed that the aircraft involved in the fox collision did not suffer major damage, aviation experts say the incident should serve as a strong warning.