Between 2022 and 2023, a total of 154 samples containing residues from bird strikes were identified at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, encompassing 54 distinct avian species. Among these, Hirundo rustica emerged as the most frequently detected bird species, with a total of nine occurrences, indicating a significant risk of bird strikes. In order to mitigate the threat posed by barn swallows to aviation safety, DNA metabarcoding technology was employed for the analysis of their gastrointestinal contents and dietary preferences during spring and summer seasons at the airport. By integrating these findings with data obtained from airport surveys, a comprehensive understanding of the food source distribution of barn swallows was effectively attained. Based on comprehensive field surveys conducted at the airport, our results revealed that Sarcophagidae, Drosophilidae, Culicidae, Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Lycaenidae all constituted animal-based food sources; among these, Sarcophagidae was found to be the primary dietary component. Additionally, the plant families Rosaceae, Gramineae, Apiaceae, Lythraceae, Moraceae, Ulmaceae, Liliaceae and Cupressaceae served as supplementary nourishment sources for barn swallows; notably, Rosaceae was identified as their main nutrient provider. The α diversity index revealed a significant augmentation in the diversity of animal food during summer compared to spring (Shannon index, P < 0.05), accompanied by a more equitable distribution of species within the community. Conversely, the plant richness associated with the dietary sources of barn swallows exhibited a remarkable increase in spring as opposed to summer (Chao1 and Observed_species index, P < 0.05). The temperature fluctuations within the airport vicinity may potentially account for this divergent dynamics. The β diversity index revealed no statistically significant variation in the composition of animal food and food chain-related plants between spring and summer. Based on the dietary composition of barn swallows and the distribution pattern of food resources, we proposed an increase in the frequency of plant seed harvesting at the airport, expansion of the harvesting area, assessment of nesting areas for barn swallows, standardization of rice and soybean crop planting practices, appropriate management of airport waste disposal, regular insecticide spraying, installation of insect trapping devices, and removal of eggs and pupae from grass planting areas. to mitigate bird strike incidents. In comparison with conventional diet analysis methods, this study employed DNA metabarcoding technology to investigate seasonal variations in the diet composition of barn swallows. The approach not only supplements existing knowledge regarding their food preferences but also offers valuable insights for informing bird strike prevention policies at airports.