Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat on Wednesday said there will be no problem even if Terminals 1 and 2 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are closed after the Third Terminal becomes operational.
He added that there is no need to construct a new airport within 100 kilometres, as building an airport takes 10 to 12 years and making it fully operational requires 15 years.
The minister explained that they accepted Japan’s condition for this reason. He noted that although international flights will not operate from Terminals 1 and 2 following the launch of the Third Terminal, domestic, cargo, chartered, and VVIP flights will be shifted to these terminals.
Moreover, the government is planning to introduce budget airlines, which will also operate from Terminals 1 and 2. Millat made the comments while answering questions from reporters during an inspection of the second terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport on Wednesday.
Responding to a question regarding a technical glitch in the aircraft carrying the prime minister, the civil aviation minister explained that VVIP flights receive greater attention. He mentioned that a minor fault occurred in the Prime Minister’s flight, which can happen.
While everything was normal during departure from Dhaka, a problem with the flaps was detected after returning from Japan. He added that the team had travelled with extra pilots and engineers, adhering to all regulations.
The minister clarified that repairing the aircraft flaw required adequate time, and the Prime Minister was boarded only after conducting three trial runs. He maintained that there was no security risk to the Prime Minister as feared.
He confirmed receiving the investigation report, which reflected exactly what had occurred. He noted that an engineer raised an objection during the return from Japan, adding that authorities remain concerned about defects and that new aircraft will arrive in the future.
Regarding luggage handling at the airport, Millat said passenger response has been very good. He assured that there are no issues with luggage and bags, with most passengers receiving their luggage within 20 minutes.
