The construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka is set to be completed by October this year, with flight operations expected to begin in early 2025, officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) have confirmed. According to CAAB, the third terminal’s construction is in its final stages and is on track to be completed by the October deadline. The Civil Aviation Authority will take over the terminal from the contractor in October, following which the process of scheduling flights from the new terminal will commence early next year. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, uncertainty arose over the timely completion of the terminal. However, the interim government soon restored normalcy to the construction process. The striking design of the third terminal building has drawn attention in the project area, with finishing touches underway both inside and outside the facility. Read more: Target set for Dhaka Airport Third Terminal's full functionality by December 2024: CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of CAAB, recently inspected the progress of the third terminal. He directed the officials and workers involved in the project to ensure timely completion with a high standard of work. “About 98% of the work on the third terminal has already been completed, and overall progress is satisfactory. I have instructed those involved to finish the remaining tasks promptly,” Air Vice Marshal Monjur told UNB. “We expect all work to be completed by October. After taking over the terminal from the contractor, we will prepare to launch flight operations.” Consultancy firm Nippon Koei has estimated that around 6,000 skilled workers will be needed for the operation, maintenance, and security of the terminal, with nearly 4,000 of them required for security alone. However, CAAB officials said that it might take a few months to recruit the necessary workforce, meaning the terminal may not be fully operational immediately. Initially, CAAB and Biman Bangladesh Airlines will manage the terminal, with full operations likely to begin in February next year. Once operational, the third terminal will increase Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s passenger handling capacity by an additional 12 million passengers annually. Currently, the airport’s first and second terminals manage between 120 to 130 flights of more than 30 airlines daily, serving around 20,000 passengers. This equates to a capacity of approximately 8 million passengers per year. The new terminal will add 230,000 square meters of space to the airport, featuring 115 check-in counters, 66 departure and 59 arrival immigration desks, and three VIP immigration desks. It will also include 27 baggage screening machines, 40 security scanners, 12 boarding bridges, 16 carousels, and 11 body scanners. The construction project, launched by the government in 2017, began on December 28, 2019, with an estimated cost of Tk 21,398 crore. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing Tk 16,141 crore as a loan, with the remaining funds coming from the Bangladesh government. The construction is being carried out by Japan’s Mitsubishi and Fujita and South Korea’s Samsung. CAAB officials noted that once completed, the terminal will accommodate 37 aircraft at a time and feature two high-speed taxiways to reduce waiting times on the runway. Two buildings have also been constructed for import and export cargo operations. A three-story parking facility for 1,350 vehicles is nearing completion. Initially, 12 out of the 26 boarding bridges will be operational, with 15 self-service check-in counters and 10 automated passport control counters available for departing passengers. The terminal has been designed to ensure smooth entry and exit for passengers. It will be connected to the elevated expressway, and airport railway station via a tunnel. Hajj pilgrims will also have a dedicated tunnel from the Ashkona Hajj Camp to the third terminal. Last year, on October 7, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina partially inaugurated the terminal as part of her government’s development efforts ahead of the national elections. At that time, the government had announced that flights would operate from the third terminal by October this year. Read more: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO

In a significant development for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, the construction of the third terminal at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is slated to be fully completed by April 5, 2024, with the terminal expected to be fully operational by October. This marks a pivotal moment in the expansion and modernization of the country’s aviation infrastructure. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) will take over the terminal’s responsibilities from the contractor once the construction is completed. This transition will initiate the process of moving operations from the old terminals to the new one, focusing on Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) project. AKM Maksudul Islam, the project director, told UNB that nearly all construction work, including civil engineering tasks, is nearing completion. Any remaining work is expected to be finalized in the first week of April, ensuring a smooth handover to CAAB by April 6. Preparations are underway to fully launch the terminal’s operations in October, including the completion of system integration and calibration tasks, which have successfully passed multiple evaluations. Read more: Terminal 3 will transform Bangladesh's passenger and cargo handling capabilities: EU Ambassador Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, Chairman of CAAB, informed UNB that the third terminal is almost ready for flight operations and is expected to be fully functional by October. The completion of this terminal will significantly increase Dhaka airport’s capacity, facilitating the growth of domestic and international airlines’ operations. This expansion is anticipated to improve passenger amenities, increase revenue, and enhance the airport’s overall efficiency.

Two flights carrying passengers from two Middle-Eastern countries landed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata in India instead of Dhaka due to dense fog last night. The flights started landing in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka after 9:30 am this morning (January 14, 2024) when invisibility improved, said Group Captain Mohammad Kamrul Islam, executive director of the HSIA. Read more: Flyers on Indian flight stuck in Dhaka Airport for over 12 hours. Here’s why On January 4, thirteen flights that failed to land at Dhaka airport were diverted to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Sylhet, and Chattogram international airports.

Flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were disrupted for eight and a half hours on Tuesday (January 02, 2024) due to dense fog. Six flights that failed to land at the airport were diverted to Sylhet and Chittagong international airports, Executive Director of Shahjalal Airport Group Captain Mohammad Kamrul Islam told UNB. Read: Reception Lounge set up at Dhaka Airport for int'l observers, journalists  He said flights could not operate normally from 12 am to 8:30 am due to fog, he said adding that flight operations resumed at 9am after the weather returned to normal. According to a Met office bulletin, moderate to thick fog may occur over the country during midnight to morning and it may continue till Wednesday noon at places over the country. Read: About 300 Indian travelers stuck in French airport in a human trafficking probe  Air navigation, inland river transport and road communication may disrupt due to thick fog, it said.

In a significant development for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, the country and Japan today signed the exchange of notes of the 44th Official Development Assistance (ODA) yen loan. This crucial funding, amounting to 76,635 million yen (approximately USD 540 million), is earmarked for the expansion of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). Is Dhaka ready for a Westeros Winter? The installment will be used for constructing Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third International Passenger Terminal, a Cargo Terminal, and associated facilities. The agreement was formalized by Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance. This latest installment brings the total of the 44th round of yen loans to a substantial 324,191 million yen (around USD 2.21 billion). A corresponding loan agreement was signed by Yoshida Hiroshi, Senior Representative of JICA's Bangladesh Office, and Shariar Siddiky, emphasizing the commitment to meet the growing aviation demands, enhance airport capacity, improve accessibility, and bolster security. This expansion is anticipated to significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development and regional connectivity. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at the recent soft opening of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal, highlighted the importance of Japanese companies’ involvement in this grand project. Ongoing intensive discussions between the Japanese consortium and airport authorities reinforce Japan’s commitment to fostering Bangladesh’s development through this strategic partnership, aiming for mutual prosperity.  Penalty for code of conduct violation depends on investigation report: EC Sultana The 44th ODA loan package specifically targets the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project (Phase III). The terms include an interest rate of 1.30% per annum, with a repayment period of 20 years following a grace period of 10 years, as outlined by the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing Dhaka’s status as a key aviation hub in the region.

Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, has said the opening of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal will transform Bangladesh's passenger and cargo handling capabilities.  "Spectacular opening by Hon. PM Hasina of the impressive new airport terminal in Dhaka — which will transform Bangladesh passenger and cargo capabilities, including the potential to handle 24 million passengers per year," the EU ambassador wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).  Read: Aligning labour law with international standards ‘essential’ to consider GSP+, EU Ambassador says He was seen taking a selfie with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Jeremy Bruer, at the new terminal which he shared from his social media account. Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Jan Janowski, also shared his experience of visiting Terminal 3 which had its soft-opening today (October 07, 2023).  "Bangladesh aviation taking off soon. Stunned by the beauty of the new Terminal 3 of HSIA, Dhaka — A lot of German technology behind the scenes, can't wait for the 1st Airbus 380 landing here," he wrote. Read: Honorary Consul of Malta Shoeb Chowdhury calls on EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today soft-opened Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and said that either Bangladesh's resort town Cox’s Bazar or Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka may soon become an international air transportation hub due to Bangladesh’s geographical location.

Japan has said it will continue to make concrete efforts, like Terminal 3 of Dhaka airport, that contribute to strengthening connectivity for the sake of "peace, stability and prosperity" of the region and the international community. “Located at the nexus of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh is an important partner in realizing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Komura Masahiro, said today (October 07, 2023).  Read: ‘Boycotting election isn’t good for anyone’: Info minister tells Japanese ambassador He was speaking at a soft opening ceremony of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) Terminal 3 with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the chief guest.  State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Md. Mahbub Ali, and other ministers and officials were present at the ceremony.  Japan’s Vice-Minister for International Affairs of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Uehara Atsushi; and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori, also attended the ceremony.   At the ceremony, the Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs said: “I would like to congratulate the soft-opening of HSIA Terminal 3. Japan and Bangladesh have had a very close relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations, as symbolized by the flags of both countries.” Read: Bangladesh, Japan and NE India urged to form trilateral platform for regional value chain In April this year, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina launched a "Strategic Partnership" when she visited Japan.  "The new bilateral relations are progressing in a variety of areas, including defense equipment cooperation and joint research toward a possible EPA," he said.  In recent years, under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt Initiative, Japan has been actively engaged in the development of major infrastructure to enhance regional connectivity, including Dhaka Metro Rail, Matarbari Deep Sea Port, and Dhaka Airport’s Terminal 3. Read: Bangladesh needs multiple choices for better bargaining in foreign financial proposals: Japanese expert In September this year, a direct flight connecting Dhaka and Tokyo, which both countries had been longing for, was also launched. "It is expected to further invigorate human traffic and contribute to further expansion of investment by Japanese companies," he said. 

The much-anticipated third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which promises to transform the face of the country’s aviation sector, is set to have its soft opening on Saturday morning (October 7).  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will officially inaugurate the new terminal for the country’s leading international airport, that stands out as one of the most talked-about and exciting among all the ‘megaprojects’ undertaken by the AL-led government.  Rehearsals are currently underway on-site in preparation for the inauguration program. Once the prime minister has completed the formalities, a special flight operated by state-owned Biman Bangladesh will depart from Dhaka using the newly constructed third terminal. Ground handling services for this special flight will be provided by the airline. Target set for Dhaka Airport Third Terminal's full functionality by December 2024: CAAB Chairman Preparations for the inauguration are being carried out collaboratively by the Biman Bangladesh Airlines Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). A Biman flight, BG371 to Kathmandu, has already departed twice from the terminal to rehearse for the opening, although immigration and other paperwork was not done there.  Talking to UNB ahead of the inauguration, Air Vice Marshal M. Mafidur Rahman, chairman of CAAB, said that approximately 90 percent of the construction of Terminal 3 has been completed under the Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project (Phase I). Apart from the main terminal, the cargo complex comprising both export and import facilities, is nearly complete, said the CAAB chairman: “The cargo complex is in its final stages and is expected to be operational by March or April.”   HSIA Terminal 3: Final preparations on course for Oct 7 inauguration Security arrangements for the airport have been meticulously planned for Saturday’s soft opening. “Our target is to make the terminal fully functional for passengers by December 2024. The work is progressing ahead of schedule, and we are confident that the terminal will be operational before the planned deadline,” he said.  Meanwhile Md. Shafiul Azim, managing director of Biman Bangladesh, told UNB the national flag carrier is fully prepared for the soft opening of Terminal 3.  “New equipment has been procured for the ground handling of Terminal-3, and international standard uniforms have been provided to the staff on duty. The airline conducted exercises, including ground handling, in preparation for the inauguration,” he said.  Terminal 3 is expected to provide a sea-change in terms of passenger experience and choice in a state-of-the-art setting. It starts with the 37 aircraft parking spaces, which has already seen some airlines that never flew to Bangladesh before, make queries to include Dhaka as a destination in the near future.  Soft opening of Dhaka airport’s 3rd terminal on Oct 7: CAAB Chief The 26 boarding bridges (of which 12 are to be launched in October), along with 115 check-in counters, including 15 self-service, promise a breezier experience for anyone departing Dhaka, or flying in. .  The baggage handling system will be on the ground floor, departure lounge and boarding bridge on the second floor, and extensive duty-free shops and exit lounges. Terminal 3 will have the capacity to serve 1.20 crore (12 million) passengers annually on its own, once fully operational. At present the airport is able to serve 80 lakh (8 million) passengers in a year. A multi-storey car parking facility, customs hall, VIP and VVIP passenger areas, and a transit passenger lounge are also part of the terminal's offerings. The three-storey terminal, designed by Rohani Baharin of internationally renowned CPG Corporation (Private) Limited Singapore, will have a floor space of 230,000 square metres. Baharin’s CV includes the acclaimed third terminal of Singapore’s Changi Airport, as well as Ahmedabad’s new international airport.  The second phase of the project will involve constructing a corridor and the multi-level car parking building with 1,350 parking spaces.  In terms of passenger convenience, the new terminal will introduce automated passport control or e-gates, reducing wait times. Passengers can choose self-immigration through the e-gates or opt for assistance at one of 56 exit immigration counters. A modern fire-fighting system and advanced security screening process will enhance safety measures. Read more: Groundhandling contract for Terminal 3 will go to Japan: CAAB chairman The terminal will also include movie lounges, food courts, airline lounges, and world class duty-free shops. Facilities like Wi-Fi, mobile charging, prayer areas, and a Meeters and Greeters Plaza are thrown in for good measure. Additionally, special arrangements have been made for mothers, including breastfeeding booths, diaper-changing areas, and a family bathroom. Children will have a dedicated play area. The project, originally with an estimated cost of Tk 13,610.47 crore, got the nod of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in October, 2017. However, the cost rose substantially later on as the entire vision changed and it was decided to go for a world class facility with the potential to transform the aviation sector in the long term. The final cost approved for the project stands at Tk 21,400 crore. JICA, the Japanese government’s international development agency, has been helming the project as the main financier, with a consortium of three leading international firms - Mitsubishi, Samsung C & T (the construction arm of Samsung) and Fujita JV - contracted to implement it. It marked the first and till now only project in Bangladesh for Samsung C & T, the firm behind such international landmarks as the Burj Khalifa, Taipei 101, and the Petronas Towers, among others. Read more: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is launching its Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight from September 1, 2023, Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of the national flag carrier, told UNB. The Biman CEO said that the inaugural flight will take off from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on September 1 at 11:45 pm local time and reach Narita International Airport in Japan on September 2 at 9:15 am local time. The flight, BG-377, from Narita International Airport to Dhaka will take off on September 2. Read: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts Azim said Biman flights from Dhaka to Narita will depart every Friday, Monday and Wednesday at 11:45 pm and from Narita to Dhaka, every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.   Biman Bangladesh Airlines started selling tickets for the Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from July 25. The minimum one-way fare on the route is Tk 70,828 and return ticket price is Tk 1,11,656 per passenger. Read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO Biman offered a discount on the occasion of the inauguration of direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita route. The special discount was on till August 15. At the time, the minimum one-way fare on Dhaka-Narita route was Tk 49,100 and return tickets were Tk 84,496 per passenger. Most of the opening flight tickets have already been sold. According to Biman, the number of Bangladeshis living in Japan is not significant. Japanese nationals engaged in various development projects in Bangladesh are primarily expected to be passengers on the route. Read: Market mismanagement behind the rise of egg price The Biman CEO said, “Very soon we are going to start a 24-hour call centre following the international system. Passengers will be able to get all the updated information on flights round the clock.” As part of the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ goal, automated baggage system will be introduced soon, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said. “Not even 1 kg of extra baggage will be allowed. The automated baggage system will be functional from September 1.”

There has been no official decision yet on the ground handling work at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim has said. “The prime minister gave a clear directive during her visit to the airport that the ground handling should be improved, it should be world-class. We have been working to ensure that since then," he said. “Since then, we have been procuring new equipment. We  have already bought new equipment worth Tk 1,000 crore, and a Tk 600-700 crore budget to buy new equipment is in the pipeline. We have recruited manpower as well,” said the national flag carrier CEO. “There are limitations in this too, but we are working day and night,” he said. Also read: 12 boarding bridges will be operational when Dhaka Airport’s 3rd Terminal partially opens this Oct: CAAB A project with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is on, he added.