Despite continued advances in technology, the rise in plane accidents has shaken the aviation industry. Each crash brings the same pressing concern. Do we really learn from these tragedies? Are you doing enough to prevent future disasters? Aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, but the persistence of the accident suggests that a whole body defect still exists. If these issues are not addressed urgently, the risk of future catastrophic events remains surprisingly high.
This is not just a global concern. Bangladesh's aviation sector has its own troubling record. Recent incidents involving Biman Bangladesh Airlines highlight a troublesome safety challenge. Three Boeing aircraft faced technical problems, leading to significant flight disruptions. In one case, an emergency landing was required due to a crack in the cockpit windshield, while in another case the door was improperly closed before takeoff. Given that 16 of Biman's 21 aircraft are Boeing models, continuing concerns about safety and maintenance demands are quickly paying attention.
The country's history of aviation accidents reveals patterns of preventable tragedy. On August 5, 1984, a Fokker F27-600 was about to land in bad weather and crashed into a swamp near Shahalal International Airport in Dhaka, trying to get all 49 people on board. More than a decade later, on December 22, 1997, a Fokker F28-4000 crashed while landing at Sylhet Airport due to thick fog, causing 17 passengers to be injured. Another F28-4000 was involved in a runway accident at Sylhet on October 8, 2004, injuring two passengers and four crew members. More recent incidents include the August 2015 Bird Strike that caused an engine failure of a Boeing 737-800 at Sylhet Airport and the tragic crash of a cargo plane on March 9, 2015 . Bazaar. One of the most devastating accidents in recent history occurred on March 12, 2018, when a US Bangla Airlines passenger plane crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal. Of the 67 passengers and four crew members, 17 were injured and the rest were killed.
Since Bangladesh's independence, 12 aircraft from local airlines have crashed in the domestic soil, but three foreign aircraft have also encountered similar fates. Aviation Safety Network data has shown that it has recorded 66 aviation accidents since 1919, many of which took place when British Royal Air Force aircraft were operating in the area. Wartime aviation risks were inevitable, but today's accidents are often the result of safety surveillance that should have been prevented and should have been prevented.
Air accidents rarely have a single cause. They are usually the result of multiple factors that converge disasters in an inevitable way. Technical failures remain a major issue with lapse in maintenance, aging aircraft, and design flaws that contribute to accidents. The Boeing 737 Max Crisis showed how a single design flaw is not done and can lead to multiple fatal crashes. In Bangladesh, technical malfunctions such as landing gear failures, crack cockpit windshields and inadequate maintenance continue to attract concerns.
Human error is another important factor. No matter how well trained a pilot is, he can make mistakes due to misunderstanding, fatigue, or misunderstanding. The 1997 Sylhet crash crash was partly caused by pilot errors in bad weather, but the crash crash in Bangla in Nepal in the US involved pilot stress and confusion during the critical landing process. Ta. The 2024 Japan Airlines collision in Tokyo was another case of a breakdown in communications contributing to the accident.
Operational issues within airlines and regulatory bodies also play a major role. Inadequate air traffic control, weak enforcement of safety protocols, and ineffective emergency response measures can turn minor disasters into disasters. The 2004 Biman crash crash in Sylhet was partly due to poor runway maintenance, but South Korea's 2024 Jeju Airlines examined emergency preparedness failures. These expirations indicate a wider systemic obstacle in aviation governance. In aviation governance, safety is often ignored in favour of cost-cutting measures.
External factors such as severe weather conditions, bird strikes and geopolitical instability can also lead to accidents. The 1984 Biman crash in Dhaka occurred in bad weather, similar to the 1997 crash in Sylhet. In other cases, external interference has played a role, such as the 2020 crash fall of Azerbaijan Airlines in Kazakhstan, which is linked to geopolitical risks. Airlines cannot control the weather, but better forecasting, pilot training and improved emergency protocols allow them to take more aggressive measures to mitigate these risks.
Beyond personal causes, one of the most surprising issues is the lack of accountability in the aviation industry. Airlines often stop safety corners under financial pressure, delay important maintenance tasks, or do not properly train staff. Regulators may not be able to enforce standards strictly, allowing unsafe practices to persist. The Boeing 737 Max Scandal is a reminder of what happens when manufacturers, airlines and regulators don't prioritize safety over profits. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not affected by these trends. Without strict monitoring, safety continues to be at risk.
To address these challenges, we need more than just reactive measures after an accident occurs. A comprehensive and proactive approach is required to prevent future aviation disasters. Pilot training should go beyond standard procedures and incorporate real-world simulations that improve split 2-second decisions. Maintenance protocols should address all technical issues, no matter what minor ones before takeoff. Standardized communication between pilots, air traffic controllers and ground crews is essential to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to disasters.
Technological advances must also be utilized. AI-driven predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring systems can detect potential failures before they are life-threatening. However, technology alone cannot solve the problem. Strong regulatory oversight is important. Bangladesh's Civil Aviation Authority must implement stricter regulations, conduct frequent safety audits and hold airlines accountable for compliance failures. Transparency is also important. An independent investigation into the accident must be carried out, and their findings have been published to ensure accountability and rebuild public trust.
In addition to national initiatives, global collaboration is essential. Aviation is an international industry, and improving safety requires knowledge sharing between countries. Bangladesh must actively engage with international aviation organizations to adopt best practices and strengthen its safety standards.
Technology makes air travel much safer over time, but recent accidents have shown that there are still underlying issues that require urgent attention. If current actions are not taken, the risk of future disasters remains high. This is not an issue that can be solved by just one entity. Coordinated efforts from manufacturers, airlines, regulators and international organizations are required. By working together, the aviation industry in Bangladesh and the world can create a safer skies and restore the confidence of its citizens.
The question is not whether or not another tragedy will occur, but when will it occur? Authorities have options. Act now or continue gambling with life. The time of peace of mind in the sky is over. The world cannot afford to wait for the next disaster before taking decisive action.
Nafew Sajed Joy is a writer and researcher.
