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DHAKA, April 27, 2026 (BSS) - A second international ground handling operator 
will be appointed alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines at Hazrat Shahjalal 
International Airport's third terminal to create competition and improve 
services, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq said 
today.

"The second operator will be engaged, which will create a competitive 
environment in ground handling services," he made the remarks while 
interacting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of 
Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the CAAB headquarters. 

He added that the Japanese consortium, led by Sumitomo Corporation, would 
have the prerogative to select the second ground handler in addition to Biman 
Bangladesh Airlines.

In October 2024, Biman was assigned as the sole ground handling agent at the 
newly built third terminal for an initial two-year period.

Currently, Biman provides ground handling services for its own flights as 
well as all international airlines operating in Bangladesh, generating annual 
revenues between Taka 1,000 crore and Taka 1,200 crore.

The CAAB chairman said the agreement with the Japanese consortium for 
operation and maintenance of the third terminal would fully safeguard 
Bangladesh's interests.

"The agreement will be fair. We will ensure everything necessary to protect 
national interest. We have already held nine rounds of negotiations," he 
said.

He expressed hope that the deal could be finalised within the next few 
months, though some gaps remain despite progress in talks.

Regarding the terminal's opening timeline, Siddiq said signing the agreement 
would take at least three months after negotiations conclude, followed by a 
test run lasting six months to one year.

"We expect to partially open the third terminal about six months after the 
test run begins," he said.

He added that the government has set December 16 as the target date for 
inauguration and preparations are progressing accordingly.

Addressing concerns over equipment installed at the terminal due to prolonged 
inactivity, the chairman said contractor ADC had assured regular maintenance 
until December 2026 and verbally committed support until June 2027.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar, General Secretary Baten Biplob and members of 
ATJFB and CAAB were present at the event.