After years of anticipation, the government has officially declared Cox’s Bazar Airport as an international airport through a formal gazette notification.
The notification, signed by Joint Secretary Ahmed Jamil of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on behalf of the President, was issued on 12 October.
It reads, “By the power vested under Rule 16(1) of the Civil Aviation Rules, 1984, the government hereby declares Cox’s Bazar Airport as Cox’s Bazar International Airport.”
The order also stated that the decision will take effect immediately in the public interest.
Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and Cox’s Bazar International Airport said that international flights on the Cox’s Bazar route are expected to begin soon, with preparations already underway.
Airport Director Golam Murtaza Hossain confirmed that customs and immigration facilities are fully ready for international operations. “While a few final tasks remain, we hope to see international flights begin within this month now that the official approval has been granted,” he said.
The official declaration has been warmly welcomed by stakeholders in the tourism sector.
Additional DIG of the Tourist Police, Apel Mahmud, said, “This is undoubtedly a major milestone for the country’s tourism industry. With the airport gaining international status, Cox’s Bazar is set to become a popular destination for foreign tourists.”
Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Hotel Guest House Owners’ Association, said, “Launching international flights will boost tourism and make it easier to host international conferences, corporate events, and cultural programmes, which will ultimately create more jobs and strengthen the local economy.”
According to the official website of Cox’s Bazar district, the airport’s runway has already been extended from 6,790 feet to 9,000 feet, with plans to widen it from 150 feet to 200 feet. The load-bearing capacity of the runway is also being reinforced to accommodate wide-body aircraft, alongside upgrades to the lighting system.
Additionally, a 10,912.49 square feet terminal building and 49,753 square feet connecting taxiway are being constructed to meet international standards.
