National aviation roadmap outlines infrastructure, technology and future connectivity goals
Third Terminal Set for December Launch
Bangladesh plans to inaugurate the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by the end of the year while unveiling its first integrated national civil aviation masterplan aimed at long-term sectoral growth.
Bangladesh is preparing to inaugurate the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport later this year while moving forward with its first integrated national civil aviation masterplan to guide long-term sector development.
The announcement came on Sunday (21 June) during a workshop on the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh’s (CAAB) 30-year masterplan held at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom said the masterplan will define development priorities and strategic direction for the country’s aviation sector over the next two to three decades.
According to her, the roadmap will focus on airport infrastructure expansion, modernization of air navigation services, airline sector growth, skilled workforce development, enhanced security measures and technology-driven sustainable development.
The minister also said the government plans to advance projects at Bogura Airport and other regional airports to position Bangladesh as an aviation hub.
Regarding the Third Terminal, she noted that discussions have been held with Japanese counterparts and an agreement on ground handling services is expected in July. Cargo handling will remain under Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while ground handling operations are planned to be managed by a Japanese company.
On fleet expansion, Afroza Khanom said adding new Boeing aircraft may take at least five years, and the government is considering leasing Airbus aircraft in the interim period.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq added that direct flights between Dhaka and New York are unlikely before 2028.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government aims to inaugurate the Third Terminal on 16 December, expressing optimism that construction work will be completed beforehand.
The workshop brought together senior officials from the ministry, CAAB, the armed forces and other relevant institutions as part of efforts to prepare Bangladesh’s first integrated national civil aviation development framework.
//DBITech/ET/MI//
