United News of Bangladesh

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Wednesday told the Parliament that the upgradation of Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international airport will take a few more months. “The upgradation of Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international airport will take several more months,” she said while replying to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury (Cox’s Bazar-4) in the House. The Minister said that several key steps have already been taken to facilitate the commencement of international flights from the airport. To this end, certification has been obtained from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) after ensuring compliance with international rules, regulations, and operational suitability. The runway of Cox’s Bazar Airport has been extended from 9,000 feet to 10,700 feet towards the sea to ensure safe landing and takeoff of large aircrafts at full load, along with enhancing overall operational capacity. A new international terminal building with a 17,955-square metres floor area has been constructed to support international flight operations. The terminal, equipped with all necessary operational facilities, is currently undergoing testing and commissioning, she said.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to take steps immediately for mosquito control in and around airports in the country. She also instructed the authorities to strengthen cleanliness measures at all airports across the country to ensure greater comfort and safety for passengers. The Civil Aviation Minister came up with the directives at a meeting on the implementation progress of the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP) for January of the 2025–26 fiscal year, held at the Ministry. Biman flight cancelled as boarding bridge hits engine at Sylhet airport State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat stressed the need to resolve the trolley shortage at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to improve passenger services. He emphasised taking prompt initiatives to procure 1,000 new trolleys at the earliest possible time. The state minister also called upon all agencies concerned to work in coordination to ensure that passengers can travel smoothly without facing any form of harassment.