Flights Safety: Priorities and Measures Implemented by Heydar Aliyev International Airport

Flights safety is one of the main operational areas of any airport and plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe travel of passengers. The Deputy Director of Flight Safety at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Elmir Guluzadeh, answered our questions regarding the measures implemented in this field, the causes of flight delays, and the impact of weather conditions on flight safety.

Flights safety in airports is closely linked to passenger safety. What measures are being taken in this area at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, and are there any recent innovations?

Flights safety is a top priority for every airport. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) report for 2023, 99.8% of every million commercial flights worldwide are conducted safely. This reflects the impact of high standards and preventive measures applied in the aviation sector.
Since 2024, Heydar Aliyev International Airport has implemented the Flight Safety Management System as part of the broader Safety Management System (UTIS-SMS), which is also applied in leading airports such as Schiphol and Changi. This system allows for the early identification of risks and the implementation of preventive measures in accordance with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As a result, flight safety is continuously monitored.
Additionally, new software is being enhanced to promptly address flight safety concerns. Both staff and passengers can report safety issues via QR codes.

What are the main factors affecting flight safety, and how are these risks managed?

Factors such as technical malfunctions, foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway, the risk of bird strikes, and weather conditions all influence flight safety. All these factors are strictly controlled in accordance with international regulations.
For instance, the risk of bird strikes is a growing threat to airports worldwide. According to recent ICAO data, the number of such incidents is increasing with the growth of air traffic. These collisions can cause significant damage to aircraft engines and other critical components.
At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, both reactive and proactive measures are taken to mitigate these risks. Reactive measures include the use of specialized technical equipment to deter birds from the runways and the airport's territory, as well as the work of ornithologists. Proactive measures involve analyzing the migratory routes of birds and the species inhabiting the areas around the airport, which helps better manage their movement. These measures are based on international practices and aim to ensure the safety of both passengers and the environment.

One of the main concerns for passengers is flight delays. What are the primary causes of these delays?

Flight delays, although inconvenient for passengers, are often necessary to ensure safety. Even the slightest risk can lead to the postponement or delay of a flight, as takeoff is permitted only after all safety requirements are fully met.
The causes of delays can include technical malfunctions, unfavorable weather conditions, delays in ground services, or logistical issues. Occasionally, passengers' own behavior can also affect the timeliness of departure. Factors such as refueling the aircraft, improper baggage loading, or delays of connecting flights can hinder the punctual execution of subsequent flights.

Technical malfunctions are considered one of the main causes of flight delays. Can you elaborate on this?

According to IATA, about 45% of flight delays are related to operational reasons such as ground services, maintenance, and crew. Technical malfunctions in aviation are inevitable, and addressing them is essential to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Before every flight, the aircraft undergoes a thorough technical inspection, including checks of the engines, navigation systems, and other critical components. The flight is allowed only when the aircraft is fully technically ready.
At Baku Airport, these technical checks are carried out in full compliance with international standards, and safety remains a priority. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), globally, 12-15% of flights are delayed due to technical malfunctions, while at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, this figure is just 1.25%.

How do weather conditions affect flights safety, and what risks do they pose?

Weather conditions directly affect flights safety. Factors such as strong winds, fog, or rain can complicate the takeoff and landing process. At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, modern navigation and meteorological systems are employed, assisting pilots in making safe decisions under any weather conditions. The process relies heavily on both the aircraft’s advanced technologies and the pilots’ skills in utilizing them effectively. For example, in conditions of limited visibility, the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced lighting systems are used to ensure the safe landing of the aircraft.
During rain or snowfall, when the aircraft touches the runway surface, risks such as reduced tire traction with the runway surface can arise. To manage these risks, Heydar Aliyev International Airport uses the Global Reporting Format (GRF) system, which allows real-time monitoring of runway conditions and provides precise information to responsible personnel for each flight.
Additionally, in the winter season or during precipitation, timely cleaning of runways and aprons is carried out, which significantly contributes to ensuring flight safety.
It should be particularly noted that delays caused by weather conditions, technical malfunctions, and other factors are necessary measures to ensure passenger safety.