Incheon Airport deploys four bird-control laser guns on its runways

Incheon International Airport has deployed four laser guns to keep birds away from aircraft operating areas, placing one on each of its four runways. The airport operator said on October 18 that official use began on October 15. The domestically developed, patented equipment has an effective bird-control range of about 2,000 metres, according to the operator, more than 30 times the 60-metre range of its existing shotgun method. The lasers are intended to prevent birds from approaching aircraft flight areas. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

The operator plans to concentrate use at sunrise, sunset and during the night, when identifying birds by eye has been difficult with the existing method. Asia Economy and Hankook Ilbo reported that shotgun operations had required thermal imaging equipment in such conditions, while the lasers offered better nighttime visibility. The airport also plans to use their wider coverage against large winter flocks of migratory birds, including geese. The new equipment is intended to complement existing bird-control methods, Asia Economy reported. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]

Introduction had previously been difficult because of concerns about interference with pilots' vision, the business outlets reported. The operator proposed a way to use lasers without compromising aircraft safety in February 2025. Asia Economy reported that the transport ministry completed revisions to relevant guidelines in May this year. The airport completed equipment safety-management and operating procedures in July and obtained Seoul Regional Aviation Administration approval in September. Following the laser deployment, the operator plans to introduce bird-detection radar around 2028, enabling monitoring of bird movements within a 13-kilometre radius of the airport. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]