Aviation minister orders round-the-clock cargo handling to clear backlog at Shahjalal Airport

The C&F Agents Association chief welcomes the move but questions whether current manpower and equipment can sustain it

Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam Rita has directed Shahjalal International Airport authorities to maintain round-the-clock cargo operations in a bid to clear mounting backlogs, as businesses continue to grapple with delays at the country's main air freight gateway.

The directive came at a meeting with representatives of different business organisations at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) headquarters on Sunday.

The discussion was convened in the aftermath of Friday night's fire at the airport’s cargo operations zone -- the second such incident in seven-and-a-half months.

At the meeting, business leaders highlighted a range of operational shortcomings and persistent inefficiencies in cargo handling.

An official who attended the meeting later said, "The issue of a cargo backlog of around 1,600 tonnes was discussed. The minister directed that cargo operations continue 24 hours a day, including on holidays, with the aim of reducing the backlog within two weeks. A formal notification will be issued."

Federation of Bangladesh Customs C&F Agents Association chief Mizanur Rahman, who attended the meeting, questioned whether the plan could be implemented effectively.

"The minister's decision is well-intentioned. But whether it is practical remains to be seen. Biman [Bangladesh Airlines], the ground handling operator, has personnel but very little handling equipment. It is impossible to manually process 500 to 600 tonnes of cargo a day."

He added, "Between 45 and 50 flights land here every day. Only five to seven are dedicated cargo flights; the rest are passenger aircraft carrying limited freight. Most cargo arrives on chartered freighters.

"Biman has the capacity to handle cargo from passenger flights, but chartered cargo flights are beyond its capability. By our estimates, around 2,000 tonnes of cargo accumulate every four days, while it takes an average of 11 days for a consignment to be delivered."

The meeting also reviewed Friday night's fire at the Cargo Village.

The Fire Service and Civil Service received reports of the blaze at Gate 9 of the Cargo Village at 11:24pm on Friday.

Airport firefighters responded first, before six units from the Fire Service, along with vehicles from Bangladesh Air Force Base AK Khandker, contained the fire.

Officials said the blaze originated in a container in the section used by courier service operators.

A similar fire broke out in the same place in October last year.

Airport officials said a lighting pole stands near the site and discarded wires were found beneath it, though there is insufficient evidence to conclude that a short circuit triggered the fire.

Investigators also found cigarette butts near the scene and are examining whether someone smoked in the restricted area where smoking is prohibited.