Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has announced the soft opening of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) Third Terminal on December 16. The minister outlined this plan while speaking to journalists at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, marking his first day in office after assuming charge of the ministry.
Minister's Priorities and Initiatives
Minister Millat has set several key priorities for the country’s aviation sector. These include the operationalisation of the Third Terminal, resuming Dhaka-New York flights, expanding Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet, and advancing various airport development projects. He mentioned that steps are being taken to sign an agreement with a Japanese company in September related to the Third Terminal. Additionally, the government is working towards launching Dhaka-New York flights next year and is optimistic about adding 10 leased aircraft to Biman's fleet.
Other Aviation Sector Developments
Regarding Ishwardi Airport, the minister said the government is considering resuming flight operations soon to facilitate the transportation of radioactive materials for the nuclear power plant in Pabna. On Jashore Airport, Millat has discussed with US-Bangla Airlines about resuming flight operations due to a decline in commercial flights. A feasibility study for the construction of Bogura Airport is currently underway, and the government is hopeful for the commissioning of the Cox’s Bazar International Airport in October.
Minister Millat also addressed the officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, stressing the need to remove coordination gaps between the ministry and its departments. He intends to work from either the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) or Biman Bangladesh Airlines office one day in every five working days to enhance coordination and efficiency. The minister emphasized that good performance would be rewarded, while poor performance would face consequences, urging officials to move beyond conventional bureaucracy to make the ministry’s activities more dynamic.
The development of HSIA’s Third Terminal is a significant step towards enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Bangladesh’s primary international airport. This project is expected to alleviate congestion and improve passenger experience, catering to the growing number of travelers and boosting the country’s aviation sector. The soft opening on December 16 marks a crucial milestone in this ongoing effort.
