Posted on 24th July 2017 by Paul King
Birds causing a problem at your airport? You’re not alone. Bird strikes remain one of aviation’s most persistent safety hazards. They can severely damage aircraft, threaten passenger safety, and lead to costly delays or cancellations. In response, the International Bird Strike Committee (IBSC) has set clear guidelines requiring airports to assess and manage bird strike risks.
25 years ago, Heathrow Airport faced this very challenge. Euro‑Matic installed water-filled Bird Balls on a reservoir located in a flight path. Since then, the floating cover has continuously prevented birds from settling, drastically lowering strike risk and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.
Full-surface coverage: The balls automatically cluster to form a dense layer across the water’s surface.
Visual deterrent: Their black, non-reflective finish absorbs light, eliminating glare and confusing reflections.
Flexible & adaptable: They shift with fluctuating water levels and allow for pumps and aerators to operate normally.
Weather-resistant: Made from UV-stabilised HDPE, they endure extreme heat, cold, rain, and strong winds.
With environmental protections increasing, bird populations—especially migratory species—are rising. Those open water hazards are only growing.
With bird populations increasing due to environmental protections, the importance of proactive solutions grows. Open water sources near airfields must be addressed to avoid attracting flocks and heightening strike risks.
Clients often ask: how often do these need replacing? When we checked in with Heathrow, their response was simple: “They are no problem.” After 15 years, the balls remain effective, making them a one-time investment with long-term benefits.
We’ve recently completed another successful installation at Kärnten Airport in Klagenfurt, Austria. Once again, birds causing a problem at your airport? Euro‑Matic’s Bird Balls provide a low-maintenance, effective, and proven solution trusted by major airports.
