Government has officially declared Cox's Bazar Airport as an international airport. Photo: Wikipedia

DHAKA, Oct 13, 2025 (BSS) - The government has officially declared Cox's 
Bazar Airport as an international airport, marking a significant milestone in 
Bangladesh's aviation and tourism development.

A gazette notification, signed by Joint Secretary Ahmed Jamil on Sunday and 
issued by order of the President, formally declared the facility as Cox's 
Bazar International Airport under Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 16 of the Civil 
Aviation Rules, 1984. 

The order came into immediate effect in the public interest, the Civil 
Aviation and Tourism Ministry said here today.

Officials said international flight operations from Cox's Bazar will begin 
later this month on a limited scale as part of a "soft launch," with the full 
range of services to follow upon completion of ongoing infrastructure 
upgrades.

The National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has already planned to 
operate its maiden international service on the Cox's Bazar-Kolkata-Cox's 
Bazar route via Dhaka, opening a new chapter in regional connectivity and 
tourism promotion, Biman's official said.
 
"The declaration of Cox's Bazar as an international airport is a major step 
toward transforming the district into a global tourism hub," a senior 
official at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) told BSS.

 "The airport's operational readiness will significantly strengthen air 
connectivity and enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in the South Asian 
travel market," he added.
 
Launched in 2021, the upgradation project aims to transform Cox's Bazar into 
a full-fledged international gateway with modern facilities. 

A separate runway expansion project, extending the existing 6,775-foot 
airstrip to 9,000 feet to accommodate wide-body aircraft, is progressing 
steadily and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

Cox's Bazar International Airport became Bangladesh's fourth international 
airport, after Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Osmani 
International Airport in Sylhet and Shah Amanat International Airport in 
Chattogram.

Officials believe the new facility will not only attract international 
tourists to the country's premier beach destination but also facilitate 
exports of perishable goods, create new business opportunities, and boost 
local employment.

Civil Aviation and Tourism authorities said the government remains committed 
to positioning Cox's Bazar as a major regional aviation hub in line with its 
long-term vision for sustainable tourism growth and economic development.