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In the spotlight: Bangladesh Airport’s newest terminal

In the spotlight: Bangladesh Airport’s newest terminal

Bangladesh’s ambitious third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is positioning itself as a ‘gateway to future aviation excellence.’

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the iconic third terminal at HSIA in October. The terminal, although only partially opened, signifies a monumental leap in Bangladesh’s aviation infrastructure, promising a state-of-the-art facility to cater to a growing demand for air travel .

Ahead of the inauguration, Prime Minister Hasina explored the terminal, personally engaging with airport staff and familiarizing herself with the facilities. Her involvement extended to a dress rehearsal, navigating the immigration process, checking in luggage, and even receiving a boarding pass, displaying her commitment to ensuring a seamless passenger experience.

Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, highlighted that despite the partial launch, approximately just 10% of work remains. The pending tasks primarily revolve around integration, calibration, and equipment testing, pivotal for the terminal’s full operational readiness.

The financial backbone of this ambitious project, costing Tk 21,300 crore (USD 1.9mln) saw the government’s contribution of Taka 5,000 crore (USD 450k) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) providing the remaining funding. Anticipating world-class services akin to leading airports like Changi in Singapore and Dubai, the third terminal is designed to cover an extensive area of 542,000 sqm, featuring a spacious floor area of 230,000 sqm.

Grand designs

Notable features include 115 check-in counters, comprehensive immigration facilities and provisions for VIP services. Upon completion, the terminal is expected to double Dhaka Airport’s annual passenger and cargo handling capacity, facilitating an estimated 24 million passengers annually and 500,000 tonnes of cargo, significantly amplifying current capacity levels.

The integration of a multi-faceted transport system, encompassing connections to an elevated expressway, underground railway and access for Hajj pilgrims through an underground tunnel, showcases a holistic approach toward ensuring smooth connectivity to and from the airport.

The terminal’s architecture, emphasizing volume over ornamentation, was spearheaded by renowned architect Rohani Baharin, known for her involvement in the construction of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3. This involved collaboration between prominent entities such as Mitsubishi, Fujita of Japan, and Samsung of Korea.

The phase preceding the terminal’s full operation has already piqued the interest of numerous foreign airlines, with around 15 expressing their eagerness to commence operations from HSIA. This move is expected to significantly bolster the country’s aviation sector.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has taken proactive steps to expand flight connections, initiating bilateral aviation agreements with several countries and upgrading agreements with others, aiming to enhance global connectivity.

Currently, foreign airlines dominate the international market share, leaving considerable room for expansion and increased operational presence by local carriers. This opening has led to an influx of foreign airlines eyeing Bangladesh’s aviation market, foreseeing vast potential awaiting exploration.

The imminent full-fledged operation of the third terminal holds the promise of a strengthened aviation sector, amplifying connectivity and positioning Bangladesh as a pivotal player in the global air travel landscape.

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