State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced on Wednesday that the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is expected to become operational within six to nine months.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Millat said the government is working to expedite the process following directives from the prime minister, but a realistic timeline for launching operations is six to nine months.
"We are trying to speed things up, but based on our assessment it may take six to nine months. There is a possibility that the terminal could be opened within nine months," he said.
A senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) told that a fresh round of negotiations with the Japanese consortium will take place on March 13 to advance efforts to make the terminal fully operational.
The third terminal project has faced delays due to unresolved issues over operation and maintenance arrangements with the Japanese consortium, which includes Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation and Narita International Airport Corporation. The disputes lingered during the interim government's tenure.
Since taking office, the BNP led government has intensified efforts to resolve contractual and technical obstacles and ensure the terminal opens at the earliest.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently directed concerned authorities at a high level meeting at the Cabinet Division to remove the bottlenecks.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita acknowledged that the project experienced delays under the interim administration and said the current government is committed to completing the process and opening the terminal as soon as possible.
Once operational, the third terminal is expected to significantly boost Bangladesh's aviation capacity and strengthen the country's position as a regional aviation hub.
