The newly constructed Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka is scheduled to become operational on 16 December. This announcement was made by the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Zahir Uddin Swapon, during a press conference held at the Press Information Department (PID) on Tuesday, 19 May. The Minister assured that all necessary preparations are being actively undertaken to meet the designated deadline, which coincides with the nation’s Victory Day.
According to the Information Minister, the government has initiated comprehensive measures to expedite the operationalisation of the Third Terminal. These measures have been formalised following extensive multilateral discussions and the formulation of specific strategic action plans. Minister Swapon stated that all relevant authorities have been strictly instructed to complete their respective preparatory frameworks, keeping 16 December as the definitive target date for the official launch.
Current Airport Infrastructure and Passenger Services
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport serves as the primary international gateway to Bangladesh. To contextualise the expansion, the existing infrastructure covers a vast area and provides various digital amenities for passengers. The operational breakdown of the current airport facilities is detailed in the table below:
| Facility Component | Covered Area & Scope | Current Services and Amenities |
| Existing Terminals | Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Domestic Terminal, and VIP Terminal. | Management of domestic and international flights, passenger check-in, and immigration. |
| Total Functional Area | 94,000 square metres (including all existing terminals and the designated car parking area). | Comprehensive vehicular parking and passenger transit movement. |
| Digital Connectivity | All major and high-traffic zones within the airport premises. | Complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi internet access available to all passengers. |
Strategic Importance and Preparatory Framework
The operationalisation of the Third Terminal is a critical milestone for the aviation sector of Bangladesh. The existing Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have long faced capacity constraints regarding annual passenger throughput and cargo handling capabilities. The construction of the modern Third Terminal was undertaken to mitigate these constraints, accommodate the growing volume of international travellers, and elevate the airport’s service standards to international levels.
The project incorporates sophisticated architectural design and state-of-the-art technological systems to ensure seamless passenger processing and enhanced security. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting indicated that the expansion aligns with the country’s macroeconomic growth and the increasing demand for global connectivity.
Ahead of the formal launch in December, a series of technical evaluations, system integration tests, and security assessments are being carried out. Furthermore, the recruitment and specialised training of personnel required to manage the advanced facilities are being conducted in phases. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), along with domestic and international agencies, is supervising these final operational readiness procedures. The activation of this terminal is expected to significantly increase the overall passenger and cargo handling capacity of the country’s primary aviation hub.