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DESPITE continuous advancements in technology, the rise in aeroplane accidents has shaken the aviation industry. Each crash brings back the same pressing concerns: are we truly learning from these tragedies, and are we doing enough to prevent future disasters? While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, the persistence of accidents suggests that systemic flaws still exist. If these issues are not addressed urgently, the risk of future catastrophic incidents remains alarmingly high.ÌýÌý

This is not just a global concern; Bangladesh’s aviation sector has its own troubling record. Recent incidents involving Biman Bangladesh Airlines highlight troubling safety challenges. Three Boeing aircraft faced technical issues, leading to significant flight disruptions. One incident required an emergency landing due to a cockpit windshield crack, while in another case, a door was found improperly closed before takeoff. Given that 16 of Biman’s 21 aircraft are Boeing models, ongoing concerns about safety and maintenance demand immediate attention.ÌýÌý

The country’s history of aviation accidents reveals a pattern of preventable tragedies. On August 5, 1984, a Fokker F27-600 crashed into a marsh near Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport while attempting to land in bad weather, killing 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 heavy fog, leaving 17 passengers injured. Another F28-4000 suffered a runway accident in Sylhet on October 8, 2004, injuring two passengers and four crew members. More recent incidents include an August 2015 bird strike that caused an engine failure on a Boeing 737-800 at Sylhet Airport and a tragic cargo plane crash on March 9, 2015, which resulted in the deaths of all three crew members shortly after takeoff from Cox’s Bazar. 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. Out of 67 passengers and four crew members, 17 people were injured, while the rest lost their lives.ÌýÌý

Since Bangladesh’s independence, 12 aircraft from local airlines have crashed on domestic soil, while three foreign aircraft have also met similar fates. Data from the Aviation Safety Network shows that the country has recorded 66 aviation accidents since 1919, many of which took place during World War II when British Royal Air Force aircraft operated in the region. While wartime aviation risks were unavoidable, today’s accidents are often the result of safety oversights that could and should have been prevented.ÌýÌý

Aviation accidents rarely have a single cause. They are usually the result of multiple factors converging in ways that make disaster inevitable. Technical failures remain a leading issue, with maintenance lapses, ageing aircraft, and design flaws contributing to accidents. The Boeing 737 MAX crisis demonstrated how a single design flaw — left unaddressed — could lead to multiple fatal crashes. In Bangladesh, technical malfunctions such as landing gear failures, cracked cockpit windshields, and inadequate maintenance continue to raise concerns.ÌýÌý

Human error is another significant factor. Pilots, no matter how well-trained, can make mistakes due to misjudgements, fatigue, or miscommunication. The 1997 Sylhet crash was partly caused by pilot error in poor weather conditions, while the US-Bangla crash in Nepal involved pilot stress and confusion during the critical landing process. The 2024 Japan Airlines collision in Tokyo was another case where communication breakdowns contributed to an accident.ÌýÌý

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 mishaps into disasters. The 2004 Biman crash in Sylhet was partly attributed to poor runway maintenance, while in 2024 Jeju Airlines in South Korea faced scrutiny over emergency preparedness failures. These lapses indicate a broader systemic failure in aviation governance, where safety is often neglected in favour of cost-cutting measures.ÌýÌý

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, as did the 1997 Sylhet crash. In other cases, external interference has played a role, such as the 2020 Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan, which was linked to geopolitical risks. While airlines cannot control the weather, they can certainly take more proactive measures to mitigate these risks through better forecasting, pilot training, and improved emergency protocols.ÌýÌý

Beyond individual causes, one of the most alarming issues is the lack of accountability in the aviation industry. Airlines under financial pressure often cut corners on safety, delaying crucial maintenance work or failing to properly train staff. Regulatory bodies sometimes fail to enforce standards rigorously, allowing unsafe practices to persist. The Boeing 737 MAX scandal is a stark reminder of what happens when manufacturers, airlines, and regulators fail to prioritise safety over profit. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not immune to these trends. Without strict oversight, safety remains at risk.ÌýÌý

Addressing these challenges requires more than just reactive measures after accidents occur. Preventing future aviation disasters demands a comprehensive, proactive approach. Pilot training must go beyond standard procedures, incorporating real-world simulations that improve split-second decision-making. Maintenance protocols should be strictly enforced, with every technical issue — no matter how minor — addressed before takeoff. Standardised communication between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground crews is essential to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to disaster.ÌýÌý

Technological advancements should also be leveraged. AI-driven predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring systems can detect potential failures before they become life-threatening. However, technology alone cannot solve the problem — strong regulatory oversight is critical. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh must enforce stricter regulations, conduct frequent safety audits, and hold airlines accountable for compliance failures. Transparency is also key; independent investigations into accidents must be conducted, and their findings made publicly available to ensure accountability and rebuild public trust.ÌýÌý

In addition to national efforts, global collaboration is essential. Aviation is an international industry, and safety improvements require knowledge-sharing between countries. Bangladesh should actively engage with international aviation organisations to adopt best practices and enhance its safety standards.ÌýÌý

Although technology has made air travel much safer over time, recent accidents show there are still underlying issues that need urgent attention. If action is not taken now, the risk of future disasters remains high. This is not a challenge that can be solved by one entity alone — it requires coordinated efforts from manufacturers, airlines, regulators, and international bodies. By working together, Bangladesh and the global aviation industry can create safer skies and restore public confidence.ÌýÌý

The question is not whether another tragedy will occur, but when. Authorities have a choice: act now or continue gambling with lives. The time for empty reassurances is over. The world cannot afford to wait for the next disaster before taking decisive action.

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Nafew Sajed Joy is a writer and researcher.