In recent years, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has undergone a visible transformation. The construction of a third terminal, installation of modern radar systems, and a series of infrastructure upgrades signal Bangladesh’s ambition to improve passenger service and position Dhaka as a regional aviation hub. These developments have been widely celebrated as signs of progress and global integration.
Yet, beneath this gleaming exterior lies a deeply concerning reality – one that threatens the very foundation of aviation safety. While terminals sparkle and ambitions soar, the airport’s runway remains dangerously neglected. According to a recent report, hazardous debris, including broken aircraft parts, loose metal fragments, stones, and other foreign objects, has accumulated across the runway, taxiways, and apron areas.
Even more troubling is the complete breakdown of all runway sweepers – the specialised machines used to keep these areas clean and safe. Of the three sweepers once available, two have reportedly been out of service for nearly a decade. The last operational machine has also remained non-functional for over six months. In the absence of mechanised cleaning, airport authorities have resorted to manual sweeping – a method wholly inadequate for maintaining a high-traffic international runway.
This is not merely an operational inconvenience; it is a direct safety hazard. Airport officials themselves have acknowledged that maintaining a clean aircraft movement area is no longer possible under current conditions. As a result, flight operations are increasingly exposed to risk.
It is said that an urgent request for new sweepers was sent earlier this month to the Civil Aviation Authority, but similar appeals dating back to December 2022 have gone unheeded. Such prolonged inaction raises serious questions about governance and priorities. In a country where large-scale infrastructure projects often move quickly, the neglect of something as fundamental as runway safety is difficult to justify.
The dangers posed by debris on runways are well documented. In aviation, this risk is referred to as Foreign Object Debris (FOD). Even a small metallic fragment or loose stone can be ingested into an aircraft engine or damage tires during takeoff and landing, potentially leading to catastrophic failure.
Runway maintenance is a highly technical process. Each time an aircraft lands, its tires deposit layers of rubber onto the runway surface due to intense friction. Over time, this buildup creates a smooth, slippery layer that reduces friction and obscures runway markings. This significantly affects braking performance and increases the risk of skidding, particularly during wet conditions. Removing these rubber deposits requires specialised equipment such as high-pressure water jets, chemical cleaning systems, and advanced sweepers. Manual sweeping cannot address this problem effectively. Without proper cleaning, the runway gradually becomes a hazard zone rather than a safe landing surface.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) explicitly mandates that runways, taxiways, and aprons must be kept clean and free from foreign objects at all times. Compliance with these standards is not optional; it is a fundamental requirement for safe aviation operations. Persistent failure to meet these standards could have serious consequences for Bangladesh’s standing in the global aviation community.
History offers sobering lessons. The tragic Air France Flight 4590 crash at Charles de Gaulle Airport, in July 2000, is a stark reminder of how minor negligence can lead to a major disaster. A small strip of metal left on the runway caused a tire to burst, leading to a chain reaction that ended in a fatal crash, killing 113 people. The incident underscored the critical importance of rigorous runway maintenance.
Globally, leading airports treat runway safety as a top priority. At facilities like John F. Kennedy International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport, advanced technologies are deployed to ensure continuous monitoring and cleaning of runways. Automated sweepers, FOD detection radar systems, and real-time inspection protocols are standard practice. Runway maintenance in these airports is not a routine chore; it is a core safety function backed by strict accountability.
In contrast, the situation in Dhaka reflects not just a shortage of equipment but a broader failure in planning and oversight. The launch of the new terminal will inevitably increase flight frequency and passenger volume. However, without corresponding investment in runway maintenance infrastructure, this growth could exacerbate existing risks.
The economic stakes are enormous. Modern aircraft operating on international routes are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. A single accident could result in devastating financial losses, legal liabilities, and irreparable damage to Bangladesh’s aviation reputation. Moreover, international regulatory bodies could impose restrictions or increased scrutiny, affecting air connectivity and economic growth.
Addressing this issue requires immediate and sustained action. First, the procurement of modern runway cleaning equipment must be treated as an emergency priority. Advanced sweepers, rubber removal systems, and FOD detection technologies should be acquired without further delay. Second, the procurement process itself must be reformed to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Lengthy delays in acquiring critical safety equipment are unacceptable and potentially dangerous. Third, a dedicated runway safety management unit should be established within the airport authority, which will be responsible for continuous monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and compliance with international standards. Fourth, investment in human resources is essential. Personnel must be trained in modern runway maintenance techniques and safety protocols in line with ICAO guidelines. Without skilled operators, even the best equipment will fail to deliver results.
Fifth, independent audits and inspections should be conducted regularly. External oversight can help identify gaps, enforce compliance, and restore confidence in the system. Finally, accountability must be ensured at all levels. If negligence, inefficiency, or corruption has contributed to the current situation, those responsible must be held accountable.
Aviation safety is an unforgiving domain – there is no room for error, and no second chances when lives are at stake. As Bangladesh invests in world-class infrastructure and aspires to become a regional aviation hub, it must not lose sight of the fundamentals. Safety is not an optional add-on; it is the foundation upon which all progress depends.
The situation at HSIA should serve as a wake-up call. The contrast between its modern terminals and neglected runway is not just ironic – it is dangerous. Without urgent corrective measures, the cost of inaction could be catastrophic. The path forward is clear: act swiftly, act transparently, and place safety above all else.
The writer is an academic and commentator. E-mail: [email protected]
