Aviation safety a concern as stray dogs on prowl

Unhindered movement of stray dogs on the runway of Cox's Bazar Airport has emerged as a serious aviation safety concern, putting aircraft operations at risk and causing growing anxiety among passengers and airlines.

Over the past five months, at least two accidents were reported in which stray dogs were struck by passenger aircraft just moments before take-off.

Although major accidents were narrowly avoided due to the skill and timely action of pilots, airlines and passengers fear that a catastrophic accident could occur at any time.

According to available information, on August 2 and November 6, 2025, dogs were hit by aircraft while they were preparing for take-off on the runway of Cox's Bazar Airport.

Two dogs were killed in those accidents, reigniting concerns over runway safety and wildlife control.

In response, a special security drill was conducted at Cox's Bazar Airport for the first time on January 7.

The drill was observed on site by the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

However, the exercise itself revealed an alarming situation-stray dogs were seen roaming freely on and around the runway area.

During the drill, a passenger aircraft even used the runway while the dogs were still present, with no visible immediate measures taken to remove them.

Private airlines have alleged that the issue has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the authorities for a long time, but no visible or effective solution has yet been implemented.

Novoair's Cox's Bazar Station In-Charge, Md Sarwar-ul-Qader, said the matter is extremely serious from a safety perspective.

"We have informed the Civil Aviation Authority multiple times. We were told that the airport and runway are still under construction. The runway length is being extended from 9,000 feet to 10,700 feet. Once the expansion and full boundary construction are completed, the risk will be significantly reduced. Until then, we have been asked to wait," he added.

US-Bangla Airlines Cox's Bazar Station In-Charge, Ahmad Musa, said aircraft safety is not the responsibility of a single organisation alone. "It is linked to national safety as well. Therefore, the issue must be treated with the highest priority," he stressed.

Regular passengers and tourists travelling on this route have also expressed serious concern. They believe that the presence of stray dogs inside an international-standard airport is completely unacceptable.

Dhaka-bound passenger Mizanur Rahman said, "If any animal enters the runway, a major accident can happen at any moment. This clearly reflects a lack of proper monitoring by the authorities."

Another passenger, Jasim Uddin, described the situation as extremely risky and urged the authorities to take urgent and effective measures in the interest of aviation safety.

Responding to the issue, CAAB Member (Security) Air Commodore Md Asif Iqbal said, "This is a fundamental safety issue. The entry of dogs or any other animals within the perimeter poses a serious threat to flight safety. We have deployed manpower and taken various measures to control bird and wildlife hazards. However, some sections of the perimeter are still under construction."

He added that the matter is under the attention of the CAAB chairman and higher authorities. "Once the airport is upgraded to international standard and full perimeter security is completed, such incidents will not occur in the future," he said.

Meanwhile, aviation experts warn that even minor negligence in airport security can lead to major disasters. They have emphasised the need for alternative and immediate safety measures until the construction work is fully completed.

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