By Tanzim Anwar

DHAKA, Aug 07, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh's aviation sector has undergone a notable transformation over the past year in an apparent proactive leadership from the interim government seeing bold policy reforms, enhanced air connectivity, major infrastructure upgradation and strategic expansion of cargo operations.

From designating Cox's Bazar Airport as Bangladesh's fourth international airport to revising outdated civil aviation regulations and greenlighting new routes and carriers, the government's multi-pronged approach has positioned the aviation industry on a strong recovery and growth trajectory after years of underperformance and post-pandemic challenges.

Dhaka airport enters new era

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has witnessed major reforms over the last one year, introducing new services and infrastructure aimed at easing passenger movement and enhancing facilities for expatriate workers, long hailed as key contributors to the national economy.

A major highlight is the inauguration of a dedicated Probashi Lounge for outgoing and returning migrant workers. The facility, opened by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, offers rest zones, subsidized meals, prayer spaces, baby care rooms, and a cafeteria. 

Another waiting lounge on the second floor of the multilevel parking facility now serves expatriates and their families arriving from distant regions.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) directed all airport staff to treat expatriates with utmost respect, addressing them as "Sir" and ensuring hassle-free service.

"All government and private bodies active at the airport are working together to bring this transformation," said CAAB Member (Operation and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan. 

One of the most notable improvements happens in luggage handling. Over 85 percent of checked baggage now arrives on the conveyor within 15 to 55 minutes of flight arrival, with luggage appearing within 18 minutes. 

HSIA Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad called this a major step toward reducing one of the airport's chronic complaints.

"An airport is the first impression of a country. It must reflect the highest standards," he said.

Passengers hailed the change as Tashfia Kishwar, a returnee from USA told BSS, "In the past, I waited hours. This time, my bag was already there after immigration."

Security has also been seen enhanced as HSIA now operates 26 automated e-gates reducing immigration wait times. Measures like tighter access control, modern surveillance, and improved passenger screening are now in place.

To support real-time communication and feedback, the airport launched a 24-hour hotline (13600) and a new web portal while free Wi-Fi and ten phone booths are available for passengers without local SIM cards.

Cleanliness has also received attention as a 450-person sanitation crew team works in shifts, with implementing mosquito control programs, including larvicide spraying and biological methods.
 
In a separate development, HSIA announced that from July 27, only two companions of a passenger will be allowed to the Departure and Arrival areas to ease traffic and improve security.

Meanwhile, CAAB has warned of stern legal action against those who disrupt airport operations, following a bomb hoax incident involving a Biman flight on July 11. Authorities arrested three individuals linked to the false claim, which temporarily grounded the flight to Kathmandu.

New international gateway in Cox's Bazar

One of the hallmark achievements of the year was upgradation of Cox's Bazar Airport as Bangladesh's forth international airport after Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.

The decision was made in April last following the completion of critical infrastructure, including the extended 10,700-foot runway built over the sea-a first for Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the new international terminal building-spanning nearly 18,000 square meters-is under construction and nearing completion, aiming to significantly expand passenger handling capacity and streamline airport operations to meet international demands.

The upgraded airport is now equipped to handle wide-body aircraft and night landings, opening the door to future regional and international flight operations.

"Cox's Bazar Airport will not only decongest HSIA but also transform the tourism economy of the entire southeastern region," said Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) president Md Rafeuzzamn. 

The Middle East-based airline, Air Arabia has already planned to operate at least one weekly international flight initially from Cox's Bazar. 

Cargo capacity ramps up amid India transshipment pause

Another major development during the year came in response to India's abrupt suspension of transshipment facilities for Bangladeshi exports, which pushed Dhaka to expedite long-stalled plans for air cargo capacity enhancement.

The CAAB, in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, streamlined cargo flight approvals, cut bureaucratic delays, and encouraged private freight carriers to scale up. Consequently, new cargo flights to Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia were launched.

At the same time, HSIA's cargo village facilities are undergoing a massive overhaul, with Japanese assistance under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

The project, already in its advanced stages, includes installation of modern screening systems, automation, and temperature-controlled storage to meet international standards.

Sylhet's Osmani International Airport launched full-scale cargo operations on April 27, while Chattogram and Cox's Bazar airports are set to follow suit shortly. Efforts are also underway to expedite customs clearance processes.

To boost air cargo capacity, CAAB has recommended to the ministry for reduction in key charges, including landing, parking and ground handling at the country's airports.

HSIA's third terminal edges toward commissioning

One of the most eagerly anticipated aviation projects, the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, made significant headway under the interim government.

Built with Japanese assistance at a cost of over $2 billion, the terminal is now in its final stages of operational readiness, with trial runs scheduled for this year. Once functional, it will triple HSIA's annual passenger handling capacity to over 20 million.

The new terminal is also expected to enhance Bangladesh's annual export cargo handling capacity from 200,000 tonnes to 546,000 tonnes. 

The terminal features a dedicated 36,000-square-metre cargo zone equipped with advanced automation systems and expanded storage.

Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) President Kabir Ahmed praised the upcoming Third Terminal, calling it "the finest of its kind," comparable to Singapore's airport infrastructure which includes modern scanning, testing, and temperature-controlled storage facilities.
Additionally, runway improvements, radar installations, and new air navigation systems were installed in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram to improve air safety and air traffic management, reducing delays and diversions.

Revive abandoned airports

The government has undertaken an ambitious plan to revive defunct airports across the country as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate economic activities in underdeveloped areas.

The leading initiative is the renovation of Bogura Airport, idle since 2000. CAAB has proposed a budget of Tk 1,200 crore for its phased revival, aiming to resume commercial operations within the next six months. 

CAAB officials said the runway would initially be upgraded from 4,700 feet to 6,000 feet, with a long-term target of extending it to 10,000 feet to accommodate wide-body aircraft.

"Activating Bogura will not only benefit the district but also surrounding areas, and help expand domestic airline networks," said aviation analyst Kazi Wahidul Alam. 

Apart from Bogura airport, five other airports -Ishwardi (Pabna), Thakurgaon, Shamshernagar (Moulvibazar), Cumilla, and Lalmonirhat are under consideration of CAAB to revive. 

Currently, Bangladesh has three international airports-in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet-and five active domestic ones in Rajshahi, Saidpur, Cox's Bazar, Barishal and Jashore. 

The revival of additional airports is expected to ease the load on these facilities and support the aviation sector's continued growth under the interim government's proactive leadership.

Policy reform, training and human capital focus

Perhaps one of the most impactful moves by the interim government was initiating the reform of the 1984 Civil Aviation Rules (CAR). A draft aviation policy was tabled in April last, with inputs from public and private stakeholders.

The policy emphasizes safety, competitiveness, and sustainability, alongside long-term investments in training, technical education, and airport services.

Additionally, the CAAB launched a drive to train air traffic controllers, cargo handlers, and security personnel in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. 

Collaboration with ICAO, IATA, and other regional partners was also strengthened for technical support and knowledge exchange.