Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has begun operating a new Air Traffic Management Centre, with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam MP inaugurating the facility at 10am on Sunday, marking a key upgrade in Bangladesh’s airspace management.
The centre is expected to improve flight accuracy and punctuality, increase airspace capacity and reduce safety risks, according to officials, as the country looks to align with international aviation standards and strengthen its position in regional air traffic.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry led the initiative, with State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat MP attending as special guest.
The new facility uses advanced technology to enhance traffic monitoring and control, supporting more efficient management of aircraft movements while contributing to higher foreign currency earnings from overflight services.
Officials said the system would also strengthen the strategic importance of Bangladesh’s airspace and support future initiatives, including expansion of the Flight Information Region.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Member for Air Traffic Management Air Commodore Md Noor-e-Alam afwc psc ATC delivered the welcome address at the event.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhtar ndc, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq BSP GUP ndc afwc acsc psc, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and Thales Vice President for Southeast Asia Nicolas Bouverot also spoke.
The launch marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector, Khanam said, adding that the modern and automated system would make the country’s airspace safer, more efficient and compliant with global standards.
She credited the Government of France and project partners for their role in implementation and said the technology supplied by Thales would significantly enhance operational capacity.
The minister said work is progressing to transform Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport into a global aviation hub.
Millat said the centre signals the start of a technology-driven phase in airspace management, improving safety and efficiency while enabling regional cooperation and data exchange.
He emphasised the need for continuous training to develop skilled personnel to operate the system effectively.
Secretary Fahmida Akhtar said the automated system has introduced a qualitative shift in airspace management by improving safety, efficiency and operational capacity.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq said the centre represents a new phase in aviation infrastructure, helping overcome longstanding limitations through the deployment of the advanced ATM-CNS system.
French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said the project reflects strong bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and France and will help align Bangladesh’s aviation system with international standards.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Member for Air Traffic Management Air Commodore Md Noor-e-Alam said the ATM Automation System has been operational from the new centre since 22 January 2026 and now enters formal service.
He said the system enables real-time decision-making through integrated flight data processing, radar and ADS-B systems, along with enhanced safety networks.
The upgrade is expected to increase overflight revenue, reduce delays, improve fuel efficiency and make Bangladesh’s airspace more attractive to international airlines.
VIP crests were presented at the event to Dhaka-18 MP SM Jahangir Hossain, Mymensingh-8 MP Md Lutfullahel Mazed and Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Uttom AK Khandaker Air Officer Commanding Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah GUP ndc fawc psc.
Senior officials from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, along with representatives from electronic and print media, attended the ceremony.
