The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is looking into the use of trained birds to address two major aviation risks—unauthorized drone operations and bird strikes near airports.
During a Senate Committee on Public Services hearing on Tuesday, Capt. Ian Michael del Castillo, head of CAAP’s Aerialworks Certification and Inspection Division, said the agency is open to exploring this unconventional approach.
“CAAP has no expertise in this field, but we are definitely considering it as a potential solution. We are continuously seeking ways to enhance aviation safety, not just within airports but across our airspace,” he said.
Del Castillo noted that countries like Ireland, France, and the Netherlands have successfully deployed trained birds to intercept drones. These birds could also help prevent bird strikes, which pose a serious risk to aircraft near runways.
The hearing also tackled drone regulations and other safety concerns, such as the hazards of dangling utility wires.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, who chairs the panel, raised concerns about the security risks posed by drones, citing their use in military conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war.
“There is a real threat that terrorists could use drones to target specific locations. Do we have 24/7 anti-drone measures in place at our airports?” Tulfo asked.
Del Castillo admitted that Philippine airports currently lack anti-drone technology due to its high cost, with some systems requiring a subscription fee of USD 1 million per month. However, he assured the committee that CAAP is studying more affordable alternatives.
Under CAAP regulations, drones are strictly prohibited within a 10-km radius of any airport and cannot fly above 120 meters. Operators must secure permits for commercial drone use, and violators face fines ranging from PHP 20,000 to PHP 100,000, along with potential drone confiscation.
CAAP is also working with other government agencies to strengthen drone safety measures and ensure stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
