The interim government has decided to suspend a notification declaring the “international status” of Cox’s Bazar Airport. Civil Aviation Affairs Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin confirmed the development on Friday, saying, “An official decision has been made in this regard.”
Around 11 days ago, the government issued a gazette notification declaring Cox’s Bazar Airport an “international airport.”
The notification, signed by Joint Secretary Ahmed Jamil of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry’s C1 Wing under the president’s authority on 12 October, stated that under the Civil Aviation Rules, 1984, Cox’s Bazar Airport was being designated as “Cox’s Bazar International Airport.”
Following the announcement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and the airport management said preparations were underway to launch international flights on the Cox’s Bazar route soon.
Golam Murtuza Hossain, director of the airport, said, “Customs and immigration facilities are already ready for international flight operations. Although some work remains, we had expected to start international flights later this month after receiving approval.”
According to the Cox’s Bazar district administration’s official website, the airport’s runway has been extended from 6,790 feet to 9,000 feet, with plans to widen it from 150 feet to 200 feet.
The runway’s load capacity is being strengthened to accommodate wide-body aircraft, and lighting systems are being upgraded.
A new international terminal building covering 10,912.49 square feet and a 49,753-square-foot connecting taxiway are also under construction.
At present, Bangladesh has three international airports – Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
