What is a potential risk of FOD on the airfield?

FOD, or Foreign Object Debris, poses a significant risk on the airfield primarily because it can lead to injury to personnel and cause damage to aircraft components, particularly jet engines. The presence of debris can result in severe accidents, as even small objects can become hazardous when they are ingested by engines or strike the aircraft structure. This situation highlights the critical need for strict FOD management practices to ensure safety and operational efficiency at airports.

While other aspects like disruption in passenger services and delays in aircraft takeoff are indeed concerns related to FOD, they are more indirect consequences compared to the immediate and severe risk to personnel and aircraft. Damage to airport facilities is also a potential issue, but the most pressing concern centers on the personal safety of employees and the operational integrity of aircraft engines. Therefore, addressing the risks associated with FOD is crucial for maintaining safety standards within airport operations.