International flights from Cox’s Bazar Airport will begin soon as the facility is being upgraded to international standards, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam told Parliament on Wednesday.
Responding to lawmakers’ questions during the session, the minister said the government is in contact with several reputed foreign airlines to launch international operations at the earliest.
She said all necessary technical and infrastructural developments to establish Cox’s Bazar as an international aviation hub have already been completed. Key upgrades include the extension of the runway from 9,000 feet to 10,700 feet to accommodate larger aircraft and the construction of a modern international terminal covering 17,955 square metres.
The minister also said certification from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been obtained following compliance with international standards.
She added that operational testing and commissioning activities are currently underway, and the airport is expected to begin full-fledged international operations within the next few months.
In response to another query, the minister said Biman Bangladesh Airlines is currently operating as a profitable organisation, earning revenue not only from flight operations but also from ground handling services provided to foreign airlines.
She acknowledged a shortage of aircraft, saying efforts are ongoing to expand the fleet and replace older aircraft. Until new aircraft are procured, operations are being supported through leasing arrangements.
She also said improvements in online ticketing and monitoring systems have increased Biman’s on-time performance to 80 percent.
On other airports, the minister said feasibility studies are underway to resume domestic flights from Bogura, Lalmonirhat and Thakurgaon. A decision on constructing an international airport in Noakhali will be taken after receiving a report from a committee formed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).
Responding to another question, she said there is no evidence of irregularities or corruption in the purchase of Dash 8-400 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Canada and the United States in 2020 and 2021, adding that all procurement procedures were followed properly.
