Introduction
Dohazari Airfield is a former military aviation facility located in the Chittagong District of present‑day Bangladesh. The airfield played a significant role during the Second World War when it was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as part of the South East Asian Command. After the war, the base was briefly used by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) before being transferred to the Bangladeshi government following the country’s independence in 1971. The site remains an important historical landmark and is now utilized for civil aviation training and agricultural aviation operations.
Location and Geography
Geographic Setting
The airfield is situated approximately 30 kilometres east of Chittagong city, in the southeastern part of Bangladesh. The surrounding terrain is characterized by a mix of low‑lying plains and rolling hills, with the Karnaphuli River flowing to the west. The region’s climate is tropical monsoon, with a distinct wet season from June to September and a dry season from October to May. These climatic conditions influence runway operations, especially during monsoon months when heavy rainfall can render the grass or dirt runway surface unsuitable for aircraft take‑off and landing.
Accessibility
Prior to the construction of modern highways, the airfield was accessible via a network of unpaved roads connecting to the main road that links Chittagonn with Cox’s Bazar. The nearest major transportation hub is the Chittagong Port, situated roughly 45 kilometres to the west. In contemporary times, a modest network of roads has been upgraded to gravel standards, providing limited vehicular access for support personnel and cargo transport.
Historical Background
Pre‑World War II Period
Before the advent of aviation infrastructure, the Dohazari region was largely undeveloped, with a small agrarian community engaged in rice and tea cultivation. Early reports from the British colonial administration noted the area’s strategic importance due to its proximity to the Indian subcontinent and the sea routes that passed through the Bay of Bengal. The concept of establishing an airfield was first formally considered in the late 1930s as the British government evaluated potential bases for rapid deployment of aircraft in the event of conflict with the Axis powers.
Construction and Commissioning
The construction of the airfield commenced in 1942, under the direction of the Royal Air Force. The project was undertaken by a consortium of British engineers and local laborers, with funding sourced from the Imperial War Office. The original design featured a single grass runway measuring 1,800 metres in length, oriented approximately north‑south to align with prevailing wind patterns. Ancillary facilities included a small command bunker, maintenance sheds, and a crew mess hall. Construction was completed in 1943, and the airfield was formally commissioned as RAF Dohazari in December of that year.
World War II Operations
Strategic Role
RAF Dohazari served as a forward operating base for the South East Asian Command. Its primary mission was to provide air cover for Allied convoys traversing the Bay of Bengal and to support ground forces engaged in operations against the Japanese army in Burma and the Indian frontier. The airfield was also used for anti‑submarine patrols, a task that required coordination with naval units operating in the region.
Units Stationed
- 1943‑1944 – No. 7 Squadron RAF, equipped with Hawker Hurricane fighters.
- 1944‑1945 – No. 112 Squadron RAF, operating Bristol Beaufighter night‑fighter aircraft.
- 1945 – No. 123 Squadron RAF, tasked with reconnaissance missions using the Lockheed Hudson.
Operational Highlights
- January 1944: RAF Dohazari dispatched a squadron of Hurricane fighters to intercept a convoy of Japanese barges approaching the coast, successfully disrupting enemy supply lines.
- March 1945: Beaufighter night‑fighters conducted a series of anti‑ship sweeps over the Bay of Bengal, contributing to the interdiction of Japanese shipping lanes.
- July 1945: The airfield hosted a joint RAF‑Indian Army exercise, focusing on close air support tactics that would later be employed in the final stages of the Burma Campaign.
Postwar Developments
Transition to the Pakistan Air Force
Following the end of World War II, the British military withdrew from South Asia. In 1947, the newly formed state of Pakistan inherited the airfield as part of its share of the former British Indian Empire’s military assets. The Pakistan Air Force designated the base as PAF Dohazari and used it primarily for training purposes. A modest expansion was undertaken in 1949 to upgrade the runway to a hard‑surface concrete deck, extending its length to 2,200 metres.
Role During the Indo‑Pakistani Conflict of 1965
During the 1965 conflict between India and Pakistan, Dohazari Airfield served as a logistical support hub. Its location, situated far from front lines yet close to the Indian border, made it an ideal staging point for supply convoys and refueling operations. Several PAF jets were stationed at the base to provide air defence cover for the region, though direct combat engagement from the airfield was limited.
Cold War Era
Strategic Assessment
Throughout the Cold War, the strategic importance of Dohazari Airfield fluctuated with regional politics. The United States and the Soviet Union maintained a low level of influence in the area, largely due to the dominance of the Pakistani state. However, the base was occasionally used for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance missions, particularly over maritime routes that were vital for oil transport in the Indian Ocean.
Training and Development
The Pakistan Air Force invested in the development of a pilot training school at the airfield. Cadets received instruction on fixed‑wing aircraft operations, air traffic control procedures, and basic avionics. The curriculum was aligned with international standards and included both classroom theory and practical flight training over the airfield’s runway and adjacent airspace.
Modern Use and Current Status
Bangladesh Liberation War and Transfer
Following the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, the airfield was transferred to the new national government. The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) took over operations and used the facility as a training ground for pilot cadets. In 1975, the BAF established the Basic Flying Training School at Dohazari, which continues to serve as a primary flight training hub for the air force.
Current Operations
Today, Dohazari Airfield functions as a civil aviation training centre, managed jointly by the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) and the BAF. The base provides basic flight instruction on aircraft such as the Cessna 172 and the Piper PA‑28, which are used by flight schools for introductory courses. Additionally, the airfield serves as a base for agricultural aviation, with crop‑dusting operations conducted during the dry season to support local farming communities.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Runway and Apron
The main runway, designated 08/26, is 2,200 metres long and 45 metres wide, with a reinforced concrete surface that meets ICAO Annex 14 standards for small‑aircraft operations. The apron is equipped with a mixture of concrete hardstands and gravel pads to accommodate a range of aircraft types. Runway lighting is minimal, featuring a low‑intensity approach lighting system suitable for daytime operations and night training during low‑visibility periods.
Support Structures
- Command Center – A single‑storey concrete building used for flight operations and air traffic control.
- Hangars – Two steel‑frame hangars, each measuring 50 metres by 30 metres, provide maintenance and storage for light aircraft.
- Fuel Storage – Two underground fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 10,000 litres, supplied by the BCAA.
- Accommodation – A basic mess hall and dormitory block for cadets and visiting personnel.
Navigation and Communication Aids
The airfield is equipped with a VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) beacon and a distance measuring equipment (DME) station to assist aircraft in navigation. A ground‑based radio navigation aid operates on 121.5 MHz for emergency communications, while standard VHF radio frequencies (118–137 MHz) are used for routine air traffic control exchanges.
Military Units and Missions
Bangladesh Air Force Units
The Bangladesh Air Force’s Basic Flying Training School operates at Dohazari, with a cadre of instructor pilots and ground crew. The unit’s primary mission is to train air cadets in basic flight skills, navigation, and aircraft handling. The school maintains a fleet of training aircraft, including the Cessna 152 and the Pilatus PC‑7, to provide a variety of training scenarios.
Civil Aviation Activities
In addition to military training, the airfield hosts a number of civil aviation activities. These include:
- Flight school operations for civilian pilots.
- Agricultural aviation, featuring crop‑dusting and fertilisation missions.
- Emergency medical evacuation flights, particularly during monsoon disasters.
Incidents and Accidents
Historical Incidents
During its operational history, Dohazari Airfield has experienced a limited number of incidents, primarily involving aircraft during training missions. Notable incidents include:
- 1958 – A BAF training aircraft crashed on take‑off due to a fuel imbalance; all occupants survived after emergency evacuation.
- 1964 – A PAF aircraft suffered an engine failure during a routine flight, resulting in a forced landing that damaged the runway surface.
- 1979 – An agricultural aircraft collided with a bird during take‑off; the bird strike caused a loss of engine power but the pilot successfully landed.
Safety Measures
Following these incidents, the airfield’s management implemented stricter maintenance protocols and updated pilot training curricula to emphasize emergency response and risk management. Regular runway inspections are conducted to detect surface irregularities and ensure compliance with safety standards. The BCAA has mandated the installation of additional runway lighting to improve visibility during low‑light conditions.
Cultural and Economic Impact
Community Engagement
Local communities surrounding Dohazari have historically interacted with the airfield through various outreach programs. The BAF conducts annual open‑day events where cadets demonstrate flight manoeuvres and engage with schoolchildren. These events foster interest in aviation and provide educational opportunities for the region.
Economic Contributions
The airfield contributes to the regional economy by providing employment opportunities for technical staff, maintenance workers, and administrative personnel. Additionally, agricultural aviation services supplied by the airfield support the local agrarian sector, improving crop yields and reducing labor costs for large‑scale farming operations.
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