Shahjalal Airport's third terminal operating deal likely by ‘August or September’

Construction is nearly complete, while repayments on the project's loan have already begun

A deal to appoint the operator of Shahjalal International Airport's third terminal could be signed within the next two months, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq has said.

He also said authorities were making “every possible effort” to open the terminal in December, as announced by the government.

Speaking at a workshop at CAAB headquarters on Monday, Siddiq said the Japanese bidders would submit their tender on Jul 31.

"After that, a decision will be made. The next timeline will be clear after the agreement is signed. There is a possibility of signing it by late August or early September," he said.

Construction of the terminal is almost complete, but uncertainty remains over its December launch because the operating contract has yet to be finalised with a Japanese consortium.

Once appointed, the operator must take charge of installed equipment, carry out calibration and recruit staff, a process that can take months.

Siddiq said operations would not be suspended after the terminal's inauguration. Initially, 20-25 percent of air traffic would be shifted there before scheduled flights are transferred in phases.

Loan repayments for the $2.1 billion project began in June and will continue until 2056.

The Japanese consortium comprises Japan Airport Terminal, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation and Narita International Airport Corporation.

Government ministers and an advisor held meetings with its representatives in March and April.