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Bangladesh's Aviation Sector Earns International Praise for Outstanding Security Audit Scores

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bangladesh's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka and Osmani International Airport (OIA) in Sylhet have achieved outstanding scores in a recent security audit by the United Kingdom's Department for Transport (DfT). The DfT inspection, conducted in August, awarded HSIA an overall score of 93 percent and a perfect 100 percent for its cargo security measures. OIA performed even better, securing 94 percent overall and 100 percent for cargo operations. The DfT team commended the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) for its strong preparation and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • HSIA and OIA achieved outstanding scores in the recent DfT security audit, with HSIA scoring 93 percent overall and OIA scoring 94 percent.
  • HSIA and OIA both achieved a perfect 100 percent score for their cargo security measures.
  • The DfT team commended CAAB for its strong preparation and operational efficiency, recognizing the country's steady progress toward aligning with global aviation security best practices.
  • The aviation sector has modernized infrastructure and security systems, introducing Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD), alongside extensive staff training and facility upgrades.
  • The country had previously faced restrictions on direct air cargo shipments to the UK and EU due to concerns about insufficient cargo screening.
  • CAAB recalled that the restrictions, in place since 2016, had caused delays and higher costs for exporters, prompting a concerted effort to improve security standards.

Statistics:

  • HSIA scored 93 percent overall in the DfT security audit.
  • OIA scored 94 percent overall in the DfT security audit.
  • Both HSIA and OIA achieved a perfect 100 percent score for cargo security measures.
  • The recommendations from the DfT inspection in 2017 led to regular follow-ups to monitor adherence to aviation security standards.
  • 2016 saw restrictions on direct air cargo shipments to the UK and EU due to insufficient cargo screening.
  • The country had to reroute air cargo shipments for re-screening in third countries, incurring additional costs and delays.

Sources:

  • Press release issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB)
  • Department for Transport (DfT)
  • "UK-Bangladesh Inspection Collaboration" (exact source from 2017)

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