Dhaka Airport plans second runway to ease congestion

21 Sep 2023 CW Team

The government has unveiled plans to construct a second runway at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, anticipating a surge in air traffic following the completion of the third terminal's construction.

However, due to spatial constraints, these runways will be in close proximity, prohibiting simultaneous take-offs and landings for two aircraft.

A high-ranking official from a foreign airline has raised concerns, highlighting that planes currently experience substantial delays on the taxiway, waiting for 30 to 40 minutes during take-offs. Landings are also subject to delays due to congestion at HSIA. These prolonged waiting periods disrupt flight schedules and increase operational expenses.

With the imminent opening of the third terminal, flight frequencies are expected to rise, exacerbating the situation. Consequently, there is a growing consensus among aviation experts that Dhaka airport urgently requires a second independent runway to efficiently manage the escalating air traffic and passenger volumes, allowing both runways to be used concurrently.

In July, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) conducted a feasibility study on the second runway, presenting its findings to the civil aviation ministry. Physical work on the second runway is scheduled to commence once the third terminal is completed in May of next year.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman affirms that the third terminal's operationalisation will significantly boost passenger handling capacity, attract new airlines, and cater to a larger daily influx of passengers. At least 12 foreign airlines have already expressed interest in operating flights to and from Dhaka, with Emirates and Kuwait Airways seeking to increase their flight frequencies.

When questioned about the possibility of constructing a simultaneously usable runway, Mafidur explains that space limitations at HSIA pose a challenge. According to International Civil Aviation Authority rules, runways should be spaced at least 1,035 meters apart to facilitate simultaneous take-offs and landings using the Instrument Landing System (ILS). However, Chief Engineer Abdul Malek points out that ILS, which guides planes during landings, cannot be employed on both runways simultaneously due to potential interference but mentions the possibility of a visual approach.

Mafidur emphasises that the new runway's primary advantage will be its ability to expedite take-offs while one plane lands. Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, having two runways ensures uninterrupted operations.

The CAAB is actively working on optimising resources to handle the increased number of planes and passengers. Measures include constructing high-speed taxiways, implementing a sophisticated air traffic management system, and increasing the number of boarding bridges.

Upon the completion of the third terminal, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's annual passenger handling capacity will reach 20 million. Presently, 33 airlines operate 150 daily flights from the airport.

Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam expresses regret over the absence of space for two independent runways, citing it as a significant oversight.

Regarding the specifics of the new runway, it will be located between the existing runway and the taxiway, with a separation of approximately 359 meters from the primary runway. The current runway will also be extended to 3,692 meters, with an additional 400 meters to the south and 92 meters to the north. The second runway will measure 3,292 meters in length.