Cox’s Bazar International Airport to open in October: Aviation minister

Cox’s Bazar International Airport is expected to begin operations in October, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the Secretariat on Monday.

The minister said work to upgrade Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international airport is progressing and the government plans to launch international operations there within October. He also expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would inaugurate the airport.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines and foreign carriers are expected to operate international flights from Cox’s Bazar. Several international airlines have already expressed interest in launching flights from the airport, Millat said.

He said the government is working with international airlines to introduce direct international flights from Cox’s Bazar, with necessary agreements and memorandums of understanding in the process of being finalised.

Regarding the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Millat said the government is working to hold a soft opening on December 16. An agreement with a Japanese company is expected to be signed in September.

The third terminal is expected to increase the airport’s capacity and improve passenger services, he said.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar congratulated Millat on his appointment and expressed hope that the aviation and tourism sectors would make further progress under his leadership.

SKS