The 9th meeting of the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC) held at the CAAB headquarters Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 27, 2026 (BSS) - Technology-driven solutions and integrated 
working methods were stressed today to address passenger processing delays, 
coordination gaps and procedural limitations at the country's airports.

The emphasis came at the 9th meeting of the National Air Transport 
Facilitation Committee (NATFC) held at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation 
Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq presided over the 
meeting, while CAAB Member (Security) Air Commodore Md. Asif Iqbal attended 
as member secretary.

Senior representatives from different ministries, Bangladesh Police, 
Immigration, National Board of Revenue, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Airlines 
Operating Committee and CAAB joined the meeting.

According to ICAO Annex-9, every member state is required to establish an 
effective national-level Air Transport Facilitation Committee and hold 
regular meetings.

The committee aims to ensure smooth, speedy and orderly movement of 
passengers, baggage and cargo in international civil aviation through 
coordinated actions among relevant agencies.

The meeting observed that simplification of passenger services, reduction of 
unnecessary procedural complexities, improvement in information exchange and 
stronger inter-agency coordination are essential for building a modern 
aviation environment.

It also noted that improved facilitation measures directly contribute to 
greater airport operational efficiency, better passenger service and 
effective time management.

In his speech, the CAAB chairman said facilitation and aviation security are 
interrelated and complementary.

He said proper facilitation management helps implement security measures more 
effectively, contributing to a disciplined, safe and passenger-friendly 
airport environment.

The meeting also stressed effective implementation of decisions, regular 
progress reviews and stronger monitoring mechanisms so that NATFC can play a 
more effective coordinating role in enhancing the country's aviation sector.

Officials said the initiatives would help maintain international standards, 
improve passenger services, strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and 
support preparations for the upcoming ICAO USAP-CMA audit.