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The construction of the terminal began in December 2019. A Japanese firm has been assigned the ground handling job at the terminal
Published : 07 Oct 2023, 11:53 AM
The much-awaited third terminal of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which aims to enhance passenger services and expand air links with the rest of the world, has been partially opened.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the new terminal on Saturday.
The terminal marks a significant step towards Bangladesh's goal of establishing itself as a global aviation hub, according to the premier.
"When the Awami League came to power in 1996, our airport did not have much to offer. We have taken numerous development initiatives since then. We built two international airports in Chattogram and Sylhet," she said.
Emphasising Bangladesh's advantageous geographical location, Hasina underscored the nation's potential to serve as a gateway between the East and the West.
"That's why we are working on transforming Cox's Bazar into an international airport. We are also developing all local airports to facilitate inter-district travel by air."
After the inauguration ceremony, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight took off from Dhaka using the third terminal.
The terminal is not expected to be fully operational for about another year. Currently, it has limited functionality, which is why the Civil Aviation Authority is calling its launch a 'soft opening'.
Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, said 90 percent of construction work has been completed for the soft opening and from Saturday, airlines would be able to use the new parking bay of the terminal.
It may take another year for the terminal to become operational after completion of systems integration and calibration, according to him.
The terminal was also used for two Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights to Kathmandu on Monday and Thursday.
The construction of the terminal began in December 2019. A Japanese firm has been tasked with the ground handling job at the terminal.
Hasina arrived at the airport around 10:20 am on Saturday and set off on a brief tour of the new terminal.
She interacted with officers at the immigration counter and inspected the pre-boarding security scanning area. The premier also walked along the moving walkway to view an image illustrating the third terminal's full operational capacity.
She then visited a photo gallery and the boarding area before officially opening the terminal.
The new terminal will be connected to the elevated expressway, underground railway, and the airport railway station through an underground tunnel, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reports.
Hajj pilgrims will also be able to access the third terminal from the Ashkona Hajj Camp via an underground tunnel.
"We can say the third terminal is the first milestone to realise Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dream to make Bangladesh an aviation hub," Mafidur said.
