A joint workshop of NovoAir and Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) was held in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday evening. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2025 (BSS) - Tall trees near the approach paths of Cox's Bazar and Syedpur airports are causing turbulence for flights during landing, said aviation experts. 

The issue was highlighted during a workshop jointly organized by Novoair and the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday evening. 

The workshop, titled "Aviation Infrastructure and Imperatives for Aviation Safety," was held at a city hotel with aviation reporters. 

In the workshop, Captain Ashfaq-ur-Rahman Khan, Chief of Safety at Novoair, delivered a PowerPoint presentation addressing various aspects of flight safety at airports. 

He explained that the tall trees near the approach paths of these two airports create strong wind currents, resulting in turbulence during landings. 

"Many passengers mistakenly attribute this turbulence to pilot error, but it is actually caused by natural factors. The matter has already been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB)," he said. 

During his presentation, Captain Khan also emphasized the importance of maintaining smooth runway surfaces, implementing advanced navigation systems, and adhering to comprehensive safety protocols for both crew and passengers during flights.

Responding to a journalist's question about flight safety, Novoair's Managing Director Mofizur Rahman pointed out other safety concerns, such as bird strikes and laser lights near airports. 

He noted that bird strikes often occur because of nearby food sources like slaughterhouses and fish farms, which need to be addressed by airport authorities.

He also highlighted the issue of laser lights being directed at pilots during takeoff or landing.

While other countries swiftly apprehend culprits within an hour of such incidents, law enforcement in Bangladesh has yet to achieve similar efficiency, Rahman said.

The workshop was chaired by ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar while its general Secretary Baten Biplob gave the welcome speech.