As light drizzles heralded the arrival of the monsoon in the state capital, Raja Bhoj Airport on Saturday successfully conducted runway friction testing to ensure safe aircraft landings in wet conditions. The inspection followed Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms, using specialised machinery to assess skid resistance. These checks are vital during the rainy season, when water accumulation can make runway surfaces slippery and unpredictable. Friction testing helps prevent aquaplaning—a dangerous phenomenon in which a thin water film causes aircraft tyres to lose contact with the runway, leading to a potential loss of control. Airport safety officials reported satisfactory results from the test. Data gathered will guide maintenance teams in keeping surface conditions optimal, minimising risk during heavy rains. This pre-emptive move reflects Bhopal Airports continued focus on flight safety. With the rainy season underway, such checks are essential to ensure uninterrupted and secure operations for passengers and carriers alike. An annual affair, the testing this year comes amid heightened air traffic safety measures following the crash of Air India Flight 171 earlier this month. The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner had crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. Of the 242 on board, including a 12-member crew, 241 died in the tragedy—one of the worst in Indian aviation history.

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