Published : 08 Sep 2026, 10:25 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:48 AM
The third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, a major expansion project meant to boost the capital's air travel capacity, is likely to partially begin operations on Dec 16.
Full-scale operations at the terminal, however, will take more time to materialise, Civil Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said after inspecting the site on Tuesday.
He was accompanied on the visit by Prime Minister’s Foreign Advisor Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Finance and Planning Zonayed Saki and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.
During the inspection, the minister reviewed the terminal's construction progress on the ground and issued directions to officials from the Japanese consortium and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh present at the site.
Speaking afterwards, Millat said: "Work is under way for the third terminal's soft opening, with the 16th of December as the tentative target date. Full operations, though, will need more time."
"The previous government inaugurated this terminal building, but no real steps were taken to actually operationalise it,” he added. “Necessary equipment was never installed, and there was no concrete plan in place to run operations.”
On improving baggage handling standards, the minister said: "A second ground handler will be appointed at the new terminal, alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
“Service quality will also be monitored through a specific set of key performance indicators (KPIs)."
According to him, efforts are under way to reduce baggage delivery times.
The first bag is currently handed over to passengers within 18 minutes, he said, with work continuing to bring that time down.
Millat also outlined steps to boost the terminal’s aircraft landing capacity.
Under the previous revenue-sharing agreement, Bangladesh was entitled to 15 percent, while the Japanese company was to receive 85 percent.
The government has renegotiated the terms, increasing Bangladesh’s share to 27 percent, he added.
