Düsseldorf Airport, one of Germany's most important international transport hubs, sent a strong signal of safety awareness and community spirit last Friday.
Over 250 participants from various sectors of the aviation industry took part in this year's FOD Walk to check the runway for foreign objects and thus increase the safety level at the airport. The event not only provided an opportunity for practical safety checking, but also to strengthen cohesion between employees and partners.
Düsseldorf Airport is known for its consistent safety culture, which is promoted both through regular training and innovative campaigns. The FOD walk campaign, in which the northern runway was thoroughly searched over a length of around 2.700 meters and a width of 45 meters, is an example of these efforts. The term "FOD" stands for Foreign Object Debris - loose objects that lie on the runways and can cause significant damage to aircraft. The systematic inspection of these areas is therefore of the utmost importance in order to identify and eliminate potential hazards at an early stage.
The event was opened by Dr. Henning Pfisterer, Head of the Aviation Department at Düsseldorf Airport. He emphasized: "With the FOD Walk and our regular information campaigns, we are underlining our commitment to the highest safety standards. At the same time, we are strengthening the sense of community between employees and partners. This close cooperation is crucial for safe and smooth operations." The broad participation, especially from partners in ground handling, was particularly noteworthy, as it is further evidence of the strong cooperative spirit on the airport premises.
Prior to the FOD Walk, a high-level FOD symposium was held, bringing together experts from various areas of the aviation industry. Representatives from airports, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and companies involved in the development of technologies for FOD prevention and elimination used the opportunity to discuss current safety issues and present solutions. The symposium not only served to exchange expertise, but also to network and make joint progress in the safety culture of the aviation industry.
During the FOD walk, participants had the opportunity to experience the airport from an unusual perspective. The runway was closed to regular flight operations, which made it possible to take a close look at the control of the runway and at the same time to take a look at the complex processes at the airport. The event ended with a convivial gathering in which participants were served freshly brewed coffee and a hearty currywurst - a small thank you for their dedicated efforts.
The importance of such events for the airport's safety culture cannot be overestimated. The FOD Walk and the symposium make a significant contribution to continuously improving safety standards and raising awareness of potential dangers. The close cooperation between airport employees, international experts and partners ensures that Düsseldorf Airport meets its high safety requirements and at the same time promotes a strong sense of community among those involved.
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