Runway and Policy Reforms Vital for Aviation Hub

Developing a viable international aviation hub requires upgrading runway air-traffic management, optimizing jet-fuel logistics, and reducing operating overheads beyond simply erecting terminal facilities.

The technical and operational assessment was delivered on Saturday, September 12, at the 'World-Class Aviation in Bangladesh's Economic Progress' conference hosted by Bonik Barta at the United Convention Centre in Dhaka. Managing Director of US-Bangla Airlines Mohammed Abdullah Al Mamun stated that scaling the sector requires modernizing domestic fleet capabilities, easing operational hurdles, removing ground handling monopolies, and executing regulatory reforms.

"Proclaiming Bangladesh an aviation hub will not materialize unless domestic carriers lead the transition; foreign operators will not drive that change," Al Mamun said. Highlighting structural oversights in the Third Terminal project, he noted, "Airline operators were not adequately consulted during construction planning, even though international terminals are engineered around operator and passenger workflows." He cited Singapore's Changi model, noting that a lack of extended-stay transit facilities and global retail infrastructure stalls hub ambitions.

Detailing technical runway bottlenecks, he noted that flight holding patterns consume nearly 300 kg of excess jet fuel for a Boeing aircraft, 900 kg for an Airbus, and up to 75 kg for smaller planes per approach. This single runway constraint costs US-Bangla approximately 20 lakh BDT in unburned fuel daily while disrupting flight schedules and passenger transit.

Calling for multi-operator ground handling access, Al Mamun emphasized that regional airports like Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur utilize multiple service vendors, while domestic protectionism degrades operational standards. He pointed out that US-Bangla acquired international ground handling certification in 2023 but remains stalled due to pending operational clearances. He also criticized excessive ticketing levies, showing that Dhaka-Singapore and Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur routes impose around 9,890 BDT in outbound taxes, heavily outweighing inbound fees, alongside steep jet-fuel prices and a 7 percent ticketing commission.

Welcoming regulatory revisions replacing the 1984 framework, he noted an updated regime will streamline heavy aircraft maintenance logistics. He mentioned that Boeing engines cost between 9 and 23 million dollars, while Dreamliner powerplants scale up to 50–60 million dollars, requiring efficient overhaul regulations. He highlighted global aircraft leasing practices, revealing US-Bangla’s pipeline to place lease-backed aircraft orders valued at approximately 2.5 billion dollars with international financiers.

Moderated by Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, the summit featured Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat as chief guest. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir and Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddique attended. Former CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Mahmud Hossain presented the foundation keynote, addressing policymakers and technical delegates across civil aviation bodies.
 //DBTech/BMO/SE/EIC//