Three scanners inoperative at Dhaka airport

Three of the four Explosive Detection System (EDS) scanners used for screening export cargo at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have remained out of service, heightening worries among exporters and freight operators over possible cargo congestion, rising operational costs and potential disruptions to air exports.

According to industry insiders, the situation remains under control for now due to relatively low export pressure, but warned that a surge in cargo volumes during the next peak export season could create a serious operational bottleneck.

Kabir Ahmed, president of the International Air Express Association of Bangladesh, said at least two to three EDS scanners are usually required to ensure smooth cargo handling operations.

“At present, all export cargo destined for European Union countries is being screened using only one machine. This has significantly slowed the screening process and cargo backlogs are gradually increasing,” he told The Business Standard.

According to industry sources, only EDS 1 remains operational. EDS 2 has been out of service for several years, while EDS 3 developed technical faults on 15 March this year. EDS 4 has remained non-functional since 14 September 2024.

Authorities increasingly relying on dog squads

Stakeholders said EDS screening is mandatory for cargo exports to European destinations, as the scanners are equipped with explosive detection technology required under international aviation security standards.

Cargo destined for non-European destinations, including the Middle East and Africa, is screened through separate Non-RA3 scanners. Of the six Non-RA3 scanners currently installed, three are operational, one is damaged and two others have been temporarily kept inactive despite being functional.

Freight operators said cargo movement to non-European destinations remains largely unaffected for now.

To cope with the shortage, airport authorities are increasingly relying on Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) squads as an emergency alternative to mechanical screening.

“Dog squads are supposed to be used only in emergency situations,” Kabir Ahmed said. “But with just one operational EDS scanner, authorities are now relying heavily on them to prevent cargo flights from leaving underloaded.”

Freight forwarder Nasir Ahmed Khan said the only functioning EDS scanner is currently prioritising shipments bound for London.

“Operations are somehow continuing with one scanner and dog squads are being used as backup support. But this cannot be considered a sustainable long-term solution,” he said.

He warned that airlines may eventually reconsider operating cargo services on the Dhaka route if screening limitations continue.

“If an aircraft with a 100 to 110-tonne cargo capacity is forced to leave with 40 to 50 tonnes of empty space because cargo cannot be screened in time, the route becomes commercially unviable,” he added.

Industry sources said current air freight charges to Europe stand at around $4.5 per kilogram, while shipments to Canada and the United States cost between $6.5 and $7 per kilogram depending on carriers, with some rates reaching as high as $8 to $9.

Exporters urge immediate repairs

Exporters have expressed concern over the prolonged breakdown of the scanners and called for urgent repair measures.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, warned that the situation could severely disrupt trade if the remaining scanner also stops functioning.

“If this last operational machine breaks down, import and export activities through the airport could virtually come to a halt,” he said.

He added that BGMEA has already requested the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry to repair the damaged scanners urgently and is expected to hold discussions with the minister this week.

According to sector insiders, the airport currently handles between 400 and 600 tonnes of export cargo daily. While lower export volumes are helping contain the pressure for now, they fear the existing screening capacity could become a major bottleneck once export orders increase again.

“Under normal circumstances, handling 600 to 800 tonnes daily is considered manageable,” Kabir Ahmed said. “But even now, because of the shortage of scanners, authorities are having to rely on dog squads to absorb additional pressure.”

CAAB blames spare parts shortage

Ahsan Habib, executive director (joint secretary) of the Central Procurement, Engineering and Store Unit at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), said the specialised scanners require imported spare parts that are not readily available locally.

“When technical faults occur, spare parts need to be sourced from abroad, which takes time,” he said. “However, the authorities are actively working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

He added that the scanners are highly specialised foreign-made machines requiring specific technical maintenance procedures and that CAAB has maintenance agreements with the relevant suppliers.

Allegations of unofficial payments

Meanwhile, some freight forwarders alleged that the screening crisis has increased unofficial costs for businesses.

One freight forwarder claimed that despite government-approved screening charges, businesses are now being asked to pay an additional Tk2,000-3,000 per consignment to secure timely screening slots.

“The official screening fee is around 8 cents per kilogram, but without additional payments it becomes difficult to get serials on time,” he alleged.

The freight forwarder, however, said no formal complaint had been submitted due to fears of harassment and operational complications.

Responding to the allegation, Ahsan Habib said the authorities had not received any official complaint regarding unofficial payments. “If any complaint is filed, appropriate action will be taken through the airport authorities.”