The government is targeting a soft opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16, said newly promoted Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said.
“Japanese companies set to submit bids on August 25 and after a detailed evaluation, the government expects to sign an agreement by mid-September and the authorities would then have around three and a half months to complete the work,” he told reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, his first working day after assuming charge of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry.
However, he said the deadline could be extended by another one or two months if necessary to ensure the quality of the work.
The government plans to lease at least 10 aircraft in phases to address the fleet shortage of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and expand flights on existing routes, said the minister.
“We want to launch flights to New York and Sydney in the future,” Millat said, adding that flight frequencies would also be increased on routes where Bangladesh has allocated slots but cannot operate sufficient flights due to a shortage of aircraft.
Direct flights between Bangladesh and New York could begin in January next year if Bangladesh achieves the required grade in an audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), he said.
Biman currently operates several daily flights to around five Middle Eastern destinations. With sufficient aircraft, frequencies there could be doubled or tripled, he said.
He said aircraft under Biman’s Boeing agreement are scheduled to arrive from 2031.
Until then, leased aircraft will be used to maintain services and expand operations.
Biman’s managing director and officials have already begun the tender process,
The minister said several measures have been taken to reduce passenger harassment at Biman, with some progress made, though the problem has not been fully resolved.
Biman’s managing director and deputy managing director, CAAB officials and other stakeholders will work together to address the issues.
He also ordered greater attention to cleanliness at airports and onboard aircraft to ensure a better and more presentable environment for passengers.
On Ishwardi Airport, the minister said the government considers it important because of the nearby nuclear power plant, where uranium needs to be transported.
Road transport could create radiation risks in case of an accident, he added.
Currently under Army control, Ishwardi Airport will be considered for expansion and the introduction of domestic flights. This would facilitate travel for foreign workers in the area and could also support uranium transportation, he said.