Eagles and Swallows: How Bratislava Airport Uses Birds of Prey to Keep Skies Safe

Bratislava Airport employs a biological bird control program using trained birds of prey — including iconic eagles — to protect the airspace above its runways. The program, which also utilizes smaller birds such as swallows, is designed to deter wildlife from entering flight paths, a critical safety measure at airports worldwide. Bird strikes, which occur when aircraft collide with birds during takeoff or landing, can cause serious damage to engines and other aircraft components, posing significant risks to passengers and crew. The trained raptors patrol the airspace and naturally drive away flocks that might otherwise congregate near the runways, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to other deterrent methods. Bratislava Airport, the main international aviation hub of Slovakia's capital, serves millions of passengers annually, making runway safety a constant operational priority.