The operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will begin on December 16, initially handling two arrival and two departure flights, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Saturday.

“If everything goes according to plan, the third terminal will be partially operational on December 16, initially handling two arrival and two departure flights. Preparations will continue subsequently to bring the terminal into full-scale operation,” he said.

He disclosed this at a preparatory meeting on the inauguration of the third terminal at the conference room of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), according to a PID handout. 

He said all relevant agencies must complete their respective preparations within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the launch of the terminal as scheduled.

“Launching the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is an important commitment of the present government. The Prime Minister’s directive to ensure its operation within the stipulated timeframe must be given the highest priority,” the minister said.

The meeting discussed various issues related to the launch, including setting up operational immigration booths, installing baggage belts and necessary scanners, conducting trial operations and signing agreements.

Invest Bangladesh Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Civil Aviation and Tourism Gias Uddin, and Dhaka-18 MP SM Jahangir Hossain were present.