During the visit, Atakhaniv was “deeply impressed” by the advanced technologies and sustainable practices employed at Beximco, according to a news release
Three domestic airports in Bangladesh ‘not suitable’ for Dash-8 aircraft
The runways of three domestic airports are not wide enough for Dash-8 aircraft, but the Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB) insists these airports are ‘safe’ for such planes.
Published : 5 Sept 2015, 05:24 PM
Updated : 5 Sept 2015, 07:13 PM
According to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications, a runway has to be 1,200-1,800 metres long and 45 metres wide for the Dash-8 aircraft to operate.
The airports at Syedpur, Barisal and Rajshahi have runways with adequate length, but their width fall short by 15 meters.
Most aviation companies use Dash-8 turbo planes on domestic routes, as they are more profitable.
“There can be no compromise on this (length and width) for passengers’ safety,” Kazi Wahedul Alam, former member of Biman Bangladesh Airlines board, said responding to a question.
“If there’s an accident or if the shortcoming surfaces during ICAO inspection, it will be bad for this sector,” he explained to bdnews24.com.
But CAAB claims they permitted these airports to deal with Dash-8 aircraft as their runways are ‘not risky’.
National flag-carrier Biman has two Dash-8 planes in its fleet while US-Bangla Airlines has three, Regent Airways has two and United Airways one.
On Friday, a US-Bangla Dash-8 plane skidded off the runway at Syedpur Airport during landing amid rain, interrupting services for seven hours, but there was no casualty.
CAAB Chairman, Air Vice Marshal M Sanaul Huq told bdnews24.com they give “highest priority” to flight safety.
About the width of Syedpur, Barisal and Rajshahi airports, he said, “We’ve permitted the planes to use these airports as they have no problems landing at these airports.”
He skirted a direct reply about Friday’s accident.
“There’s a little misunderstanding,” he said. “The plane went a little past its stoppage point and its wheel fell on land when making a U-turn.”
Huq said planes take off and land at smaller airports in many countries.
“Runways of some US airports are not even made of concrete; they are virtually lawns,” he said. “Our airports are safer.”
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