Airport Development Group (ADG) has reinforced its commitment to aviation safety and a strong safety culture with its annual Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk at Darwin International Airport as part of Airport Safety Week 2026.

Airport Development Group (ADG) has reinforced its commitment to aviation safety and a strong safety culture with its annual Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Walk at Darwin International Airport as part of Airport Safety Week 2026.

ADG team members and airport stakeholders took to the full 1,524-metre length of Runway 18/36, inspecting the runway for debris and other objects that could present a hazard to aircraft, equipment, or people.

Foreign Object Debris, commonly known as FOD, refers to objects or material in an inappropriate location within the airport environment that have the potential to cause injury or damage to aircraft. It can include seemingly minor items such as stones, plastic, metal fragments, packaging, tools, or loose equipment. While these items may appear small or insignificant, on an operational airfield they can create serious risks, including aircraft damage, equipment damage, and hazards to people working airside.

ADG EGM Airports, Rob Porter, said the FOD Walk was an important reminder that safety is a shared responsibility across the airport community.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Darwin International Airport, and the FOD Walk is a practical demonstration of our commitment to maintaining safe airport operations,” Mr Porter said.

“FOD can be as simple as a stone, piece of plastic or metal fragment, but even a seemingly insignificant item can have serious consequences on an operational runway.

“The FOD Walk is about more than picking up debris. It reinforces the importance of vigilance, good housekeeping and speaking up when we see something that could create a risk.

Every person who works at or uses our airport has a role to play in maintaining a safe environment, and I thank everyone who participated and continues to make safety part of their everyday work.

ADG Head of Airport Operations-Darwin, Melanie Cobbin, said the activity provided an opportunity for airport stakeholders to see the airfield environment from a different perspective.

“Taking the FOD Walk onto Runway 18/36 gave our stakeholders a practical view of the airfield environment and the role we all play in keeping it safe,” Ms Cobbin said.

“Walking the runway together reinforces that safety is a shared responsibility. It is about being vigilant, maintaining good housekeeping and having the confidence to speak up when we identify a potential hazard.

“These practical activities help strengthen our safety culture and remind us that the small actions we take every day can make a significant difference to the safety of our airport.”

The annual FOD Walk is one of a range of activities undertaken during Airport Safety Week, an annual industry initiative bringing together airports, airlines, airport workers, contractors, and aviation partners to promote safety awareness and strengthen safety culture.

The Darwin FOD Walk also provides an opportunity for people who may not routinely work on the airfield to gain a greater understanding of the operational environment and the importance of maintaining clean, safe and secure runways and airside areas.

ADG operates Darwin International Airport, Alice Springs Airport and Tennant Creek Airport and continues to promote a strong safety culture across its people, operations, and airport communities.

Media Contact: Airport Development Group

media@adgnt.com.au