RAJSHAHI, June 9: The long-awaited modernisation and expansion project of Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi remains incomplete nearly four years after its scheduled deadline, leaving the country’s northwestern region without a fully functional regional air hub despite rising passenger demand.
Although the Tk 107 crore development project was scheduled to be completed by June 2022, the work is still ongoing in 2026, with key components such as runway expansion, a new terminal building and cargo facilities yet to be finished.
According to sources, the project was undertaken in 2020 to modernise the airport and improve air connectivity for the northwestern region. It was initially planned as a two-year project aimed at upgrading infrastructure and increasing operational capacity.
Under the plan, the existing 6,600-foot runway is being extended to 10,000 feet, while its width is set to increase from 100 feet to 150 feet. The apron is also being expanded to allow multiple aircraft to park simultaneously. At present, the airport can accommodate only one aircraft at a time, but once completed, it will be able to handle up to three aircraft, including cargo flights.
A modern two-storey terminal building is also under construction. The ground floor will cover 17,000 square feet while the second floor will cover 11,000 square feet. The full complex, including the control tower and other facilities, will span around 31,000 square feet. The new terminal will feature modern check-in counters, a spacious concourse, departure and arrival lounges, snack facilities and a VIP lounge.
Passenger traffic on the Rajshahi�"Dhaka route has increased significantly in recent years. Both state-run and private airlines, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines, currently operate around six flights daily, with more than 40 flights a week. Demand from government officials, business travellers, students and patients has steadily risen.
Aviation officials say completion of the project will allow larger aircraft operations and cargo transport, potentially boosting the regional economy.
Rajshahi is a major agricultural hub known for mangoes, litchis and vegetables, but the absence of cargo flight facilities has long been a barrier for exporters and producers. Business leaders believe that air cargo services would significantly reduce transport time, improve product quality and increase farmers’ income.
The airport also has a history of interruptions. Flight operations on the Rajshahi�"Dhaka route were suspended in 2007 due to low passenger demand and resumed only in 2015. Since then, passenger numbers have steadily increased, making it one of the busiest domestic routes in northern Bangladesh.
However, the prolonged delay in completing the modernisation project has raised concerns among locals and stakeholders.
Questions have also been raised about the quality and management of the ongoing construction work.
An airport official, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that influential groups were involved in the project, and restricted access inside the airport has made oversight difficult.
Civil society representatives say delays in such a nationally important infrastructure project are against public interest and have called for immediate completion of the work.
Project Director and Supervising Engineer Aminul Hasib declined to comment when contacted.
Airport Manager Dilara Parvin said the project could not be completed within the original timeframe and the deadline has now been extended by one more year. She said work is continuing despite technical and logistical challenges and expressed hope that the remaining work would be completed within the extended period.
Residents and stakeholders in Rajshahi are hoping the airport will soon become a fully functional regional hub, boosting trade, tourism and agricultural exports in the northwestern region.
