The Importance of Wildlife Hazard Management

Wildlife hazard management remains one of aviation’s most overlooked challenges. Whether you are managing an airport or a heliport, having an effective wildlife management plan isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it is a vital layer of protection that keeps aircraft, passengers, and operations safe.

This is particularly important for New Zealand operators as we move from spring into summer, a season when New Zealand’s wildlife becomes especially active. For many native bird species, the breeding season runs from August through to March, with activity often peaking in November when warmer weather and abundant food create ideal conditions. This extra activity should be considered in wildlife hazard management plans and is a good time of year for these plans to be reviewed/updated.

Why is it important to review or update your Aerodromes Wildlife Hazard Management Plan?

The Impact of Wildlife Incidents

In Q3 2024, New Zealand had a moving average of 4.1 incidents of bird strike per 10,000 aircraft movements. Compared to global numbers this is comparatively low, however, is still a serious problem.

In October 2025 a Fiji Airways flight was forced to burn fuel and make an emergency landing at Christchurch International Airport after hitting a flock of unknown birds shortly after take-off. The flight had 170 passengers on board, and the bird strike caused reasonable damage to the nose of the plane. You can read more about this story here:

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/575574/caa-still-deciding-whether-to-launch-investigation-into-fiji-airways-bird-strike-emergency 

This a stark reminder of the potential damage bird strikes can cause. Other potential consequences of bird strikes include:

·         Financial Costs

·         Aircraft Damage

·         Delays to scheduled air traffic

·         Damaged airline & aerodrome reputation

·         Aircraft accidents/crash landings

·         Injury or death

Ducks shown resting on a runway

Understanding the risks and potential consequences is the first step toward developing an effective wildlife hazard management plan. At Lockie Airport Management, we work with you to design and implement a plan tailored to your aerodrome’s unique environment, ensuring your operations stay safe, compliant, and well-prepared year-round.

Relevant New Zealand Legislation

·         Civil Aviation Rule Part 139.71 mandates that aerodrome operators must utilise effective wildlife hazard management programs.

·         CAA Advisory Circular AC139-16 provides advice to aerodrome operators on how to carry out their wildlife management programs efficiently and affordably. This allows operators to keep their aerodrome compliant and help ensure the safety of their pilots.

Relevant Global Legislation

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) fosters international cooperation around aviation issues throughout 193 countries. They also provide guidance to aerodrome operators to help them improve their wildlife safety plans through the use of detailed evaluation processes, staff feedback, scientific surveys, equipment audits and performance indicators.

LAM offers:

·         Custom daily/weekly/quarterly aerodrome inspection forms to record wildlife activity and other daily reporting information.

·         Environmentally friendly solutions to relocate wildlife away from areas with regular aeronautical movements

·         Staff training and briefings

·         On call advice to help with any issues that may arise

·         An expansive network of aviation partners across New Zealand and Australia

·         20 + years of experience in the aviation industry

·         We collaborate with wildlife experts, community stakeholders and have a deep understanding of CAA rules and regulations

Head over to the clients tab on our website to see other aerodromes we work with and client feedback: https://www.airportmanagement.co.nz/client-feedback 

Wildlife hazard management is an ongoing commitment. It is a critical part of maintaining safe and efficient operations at any airport or heliport. Partnering with Lockie Airport Management ensures your wildlife management plan is proactive, compliant, and tailored to your site, helping you stay ahead of the risks and keep pilots and passengers safe.

Lockie Airport Management’s Wildlife Hazard Management Plans come with a range of added benefits designed to make compliance simple and effective:

• Regulatory Compliance – Stay aligned with CAA Rule Part 139.71 requirements.

• Financial Protection – Proactive wildlife management helps reduce costs linked to aircraft damage, operational delays, insurance claims, and liability risks.

• Ease of Use – Streamlined systems and forms make record-keeping and reporting straightforward.

• Environmental Responsibility – Our balanced, humane approach ensures all management practices meet conservation and environmental standards.

Get in touch with Lockie Airport Management today to see how we can help strengthen your aerodrome’s safety and compliance through smarter wildlife hazard management.