Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said Cox’s Bazar International Airport is expected to be formally inaugurated in October by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Speaking at a courtesy meeting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, the minister said both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and international carriers are expected to operate flights from the airport following its inauguration.
“Several international airlines have already shown interest in operating flights from Cox’s Bazar, and efforts are underway to facilitate direct international services,” Millat said.
He said the conversion of Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international facility is progressing, with the government working in coordination with foreign airlines to establish direct connections from the country’s leading tourist destination.
The minister also provided an update on the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), saying the government is targeting December to make the facility operational.
“Necessary preparations are underway to meet the target of making the terminal operational in December,” he said.
Millat further said an agreement with the Japanese consortium involved in the Third Terminal project is expected to be signed next month.
Once operational, the new terminal is expected to increase HSIA’s passenger-handling capacity and improve service quality, helping bring facilities at Bangladesh’s principal international gateway closer to international standards.
During the meeting, ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar congratulated Millat on assuming his ministerial responsibilities.
ATJFB General Secretary Baten Biplob and other members of the organisation also attended the meeting.
