The impending full operational readiness of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) third terminal, expected within a year, has already received significant interest from various foreign airlines.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has confirmed that a total of 15 international airlines have sought permission to initiate flights to and from Dhaka, propelling the country’s aviation landscape toward international recognition and expansion.
Among the airlines seeking access to HSIA are globally recognized names such as British Airways, Air Canada, Air France, and Swiss Air. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines, FitsAir, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Korean Air, Wizz Air based in the UAE, Garuda Indonesia, Iraqi Airways, Riadh Air, and Pakistan International Airlines have expressed their intent to operate from this airport. Upon permission, these additions will bolster the count of airlines operating from Dhaka to over 49, significantly amplifying the airport’s global connectivity.
At present, Bangladesh accommodates a total of 34 airlines, including four local air operators and 30 foreign carriers. The Civil Aviation Ministry, to further bolster connectivity, has recently engaged in signing bilateral aviation agreements with 16 countries and upgraded existing agreements with 14 other nations. This proactive step aims to expand international connectivity and facilitate seamless air travel to and from Bangladesh.
Presently, foreign airlines command a substantial 75% share of the international market, leaving 25% under the operation of Biman and US-Bangla Airlines, the leading private carriers within the country. Despite their presence, these two international airlines are unable to fully exploit the burgeoning potential of Bangladesh’s aviation market due to limited flight offerings.
The country’s favorable aviation market, ripe with opportunities, has attracted keen interest from new foreign airlines eyeing entry into this dynamic sector. With the upcoming launch of the third terminal at HSIA, Bangladesh stands to position itself as a pivotal hub in the international air travel network.
