Intruding stray animals on Ctg Airport runway sparks safety concerns

Stray dogs and foxes frequently trespass onto the runway at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, raising safety concerns and causing disruptions, much to the frustration of pilots and airport authorities.

In response, the airport has sought urgent help from the Chattogram City Corporation to remove these animals from the area.

On 21 April, Airport Director Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mamun wrote a formal letter to Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, warning about the escalating presence of stray dogs near the apron and runway areas. 

The letter highlighted that the animals are creating significant safety risks, disrupting airport operations, and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Several pilots have also reported near-collisions with stray dogs on the runway.

The airport authorities have requested the city corporation to take immediate action to ensure the animals are removed to allow safe takeoffs and landings. In addition to dogs, the presence of foxes in the area has also increased, worsening the situation.

Speaking to TBS, the airport's Public Relations Officer, Engr Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, said the growing number of stray dogs and foxes on the runway presents serious risks to airport operations. 

"We don't have the means to deal with the problem directly, so we've formally requested the city corporation to intervene," he said.

"Surrounding bush-covered lands offered shelter to stray dogs and foxes, but recent runway renovations cleared their habitat, pushing them onto the runway. Their numbers have also risen due to the breeding season."

While runway animal intrusions are a common issue at airports across the country, Khalil noted that the frequency of such incidents at Chattogram airport has been increasing. 

Typically, stray animals enter the runway once or twice a month, but when the frequency rises, the city corporation captures and releases the animals in distant forested areas.

Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam, CEO of the Chattogram City Corporation, stated that the issue will be discussed in the next general meeting, and a decision will be made to address the concerns.