Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s much-anticipated third terminal is projected to be operational within six to nine months, Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has announced. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (11 March) after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Secretariat, the minister outlined the expected timeline for the terminal’s completion.
“The Prime Minister instructed from the outset that the third terminal should open as swiftly as possible,” Millat said. “However, based on our assessments, it will realistically take six to nine months, with strong prospects of completion within nine months.”
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Strengthening Tourism Investment
The minister confirmed that discussions with the Chinese delegation also covered investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s tourism sector. He noted that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between the two countries during the interim government period, but implementation had been limited.
“Their visit this time is focused on tourism investment,” Millat explained. “Particularly, they are interested in upgrading Cox’s Bazar beach into an international-standard tourist destination. They plan to conduct a feasibility study to determine how best to develop the area.”
Enhancing Air Connectivity
Millat also addressed proposed expansions in flight operations between China and Bangladesh. Presently, Chinese airlines operate 12 flights per week. Chinese authorities have requested an additional three weekly flights to improve connectivity.
“They have applied for three extra flights—two to Guangzhou and one to Beijing,” Millat stated. “We have asked them to submit a formal written request. Once received and verified, the Civil Aviation Authority will grant approval.” He emphasised that these additional routes would bolster bilateral travel, tourism, and investment relations.
Public-Private Partnership Initiatives
The minister further clarified that several bilateral agreements and public-private partnership (PPP) projects proposed during the interim government had not yet been executed. “They are revisiting these proposals. If feasibility studies demonstrate that a project is profitable for Bangladesh, we will seriously consider its implementation,” he said.
Project Timeline and Proposed Developments
| Project/Route | Current Status | Proposed Addition/Action | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Terminal, Hazrat Shahjalal Int’l Airport | Under construction | Completion and operational launch | 6–9 months |
| Cox’s Bazar Tourism Upgrade | Feasibility study planned | Development into international-standard beach | Feasibility study ongoing |
| Chinese Flights to Bangladesh | 12 flights per week | 3 additional flights (2 Guangzhou, 1 Beijing) | Pending Civil Aviation approval |
State Minister Millat concluded that the simultaneous expansion of aviation infrastructure and tourism facilities forms part of a wider strategy to enhance Bangladesh’s international connectivity, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional travel hub. He underlined that careful assessment and feasibility studies will guide all future projects to ensure sustainable growth in both the aviation and tourism sectors.