Safety Issues at the Airport

Runway incidents continue to be the biggest safety issue facing airports worldwide. In 2007 alone, there were 370 runway incursions in which aircraft were involved in mishaps. Problems increase as aircraft traffic grows.

Incursions Defined

• Runway incursions include aircraft skidding off the runway, planes obstructing one another, pilots landing on the wrong runway and taxiing mistakes (see reference 1).

Runway Debris

• Debris on runways is one problem that endanger aircraft, with the Federal Aviation Administration citing Chicago's O'Hare Airport as one troublesome case (see reference 2).

Bird Strikes

• Airports like O'Hare also experience bird interference with aircraft because of the airport's proximity to trees and wetland areas (see reference 2).

Residential Proximity

• Safety issues at smaller airports, such as the Buffalo-Lancaster Airport (NY), include nearby residents complaining of small aircraft pilots flying dangerously close to their homes (see resource 1).

Safety Measures

• Attempts to mitigate existing safety issues include modernizing safety services and improving communication systems with pilots (see resource 2).

Safety and Security

• Safety issues unrelated to aircraft and runways include an airport's efficient and thorough screening system of checked baggage and carry-ons, as well as passport security checks, according to Heathrow Airport (see resource 3).