The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has ended the operations of sixteen long-standing commercial entities at the city’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the country’s two other international airports. The move became effective from 30 June 2025.
Starting from the new fiscal year, the authority has decided not to renew the companies’ leases to improve passenger services, strengthen airport security and build a transparent, accountable environment free from prolonged political influence, CAAB sources say.
The non-renewed leaseholders include Aeros Trading, Sajal Enterprise, Mahbuba Traders, Nahar Construction, Aviation Transport, A-Five Roadway, World Trust Tourist Car Services, Shirin Enterprise, Hawlader & Sons, Othey Enterprise, Wolf Corporation, Arial Creative Space, Dhanshiri Communication, and Department S Consulting.
CAAB insiders said many of these firms failed to ensure quality services despite repeated opportunities for renewal, and had faced long-standing allegations of irregularities, commercial misconduct, abuse of influence and administrative complications.
Most of these companies operated under the direct or indirect control of influential political leaders or close associates of previous governments, allowing them to build a virtually unchallenged network inside the airports.
Several individuals linked to these businesses are now either in prison on corruption charges or absconding abroad.
In recent weeks, remnants of this network have reportedly regrouped under new identities and are using social media platforms and certain news outlets to spread misleading information against CAAB.
Officials believe these moves are aimed at undermining reforms and regaining lost control.
Multiple CAAB officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said this is a pivotal moment to free airport operations from entrenched political influence and to establish a professional, accountable environment.
They called for collective support to ensure lasting transparency and progress.