Incheon International Airport deploys laser guns for bird control

Incheon International Airport Corporation has officially deployed four bird control laser guns to enhance flight safety. One unit has been placed at each of the airport's four runways to prevent birds from entering aircraft flight zones.

Developed by a domestic company and holding a patent, the laser guns offer a control range of approximately 2,000 meters, which is more than 30 times the 60-meter range of traditional shotguns. The equipment is expected to be particularly effective during nighttime and winter months when large migratory bird flocks are active. Unlike shotguns, which can be difficult to use during sunrise and sunset due to poor visibility, the lasers provide high visibility for nighttime operations.

The implementation follows a collaborative effort with government agencies to establish safety protocols, addressing previous concerns regarding potential pilot vision interference. Following guidelines from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and approval from the Seoul Regional Aviation Administration, the airport plans to further bolster its wildlife management capabilities by introducing bird detection radar by 2028, which will monitor bird movements within a 13km radius.