The new Jorge Chavez International Airport —the new gateway to the Peruvian capital, Lima— opens a chapter of modernity and renewed design in its airport infrastructure. However, it will continue to preserve the presence of some unique guardians: Harris' hawks and a Peregrine falcon specially trained to maintain air safety.
A specialized team of falconers (experts dedicated to training birds of prey) operates quietly at the airport, tasked with preventing bird strikes involving aircraft.
These incidents usually occur during takeoff or landing and can cause serious engine damage, as well as endanger passenger safety.
To confront this threat, the team deploys a group of birds of prey at Jorge Chavez Airport consisting of 11 Harris' hawks and one peregrine falcon, trained to patrol and clear the airspace.
Among them, Carol stands out —a female Harris' hawk who plays a key role in monitoring the runways and scaring off other birds.
"She is in charge of inspecting, hunting, and capturing birds to prevent them from being ingested by airplane engines, and thus prevent accidents," explained a member of the falconry team.
This natural, effective, and environmentally respectful method will continue to be applied at the new terminal, ensuring the continuity of a key strategy in aviation risk management.
Falconry at airports
The use of birds of prey for wildlife control at airports is not exclusive to Peru.
Falconry has become a reliable tool at air terminals around the world, recognized for its low environmental impact and high effectiveness.
Although technologies such as radars and acoustic systems exist, falconry offers a natural, effective, and sustainable defense.
The presence of predators like falcons and hawks triggers an instinctive flight response in other birds, clearing the airspace safely and without leaving an environmental footprint.
(END) JMP/ICI/JMP/MVB