The third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport could become operational within nine months, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Secretariat, he said authorities estimate it will take between six and nine months to prepare the terminal for full operations.
Responding to questions about the timeline following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to expedite the project, Millat said: “Even if we try to complete it quickly, our assessment shows it will take six to nine months. There is a possibility that it could be opened within nine months.”
Five days after the BNP-led government assumed office, the prime minister held a meeting on Feb 22 to review progress on the long-delayed terminal and directed officials to complete preparations for its launch.
The project to build the terminal was initiated in 2017 by the former Awami League government. Construction formally began on Dec 28, 2019, with an estimated cost of about Tk 213.98 billion.
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina partially inaugurated the terminal on Oct 7, 2023. At the time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) had expected the facility to become fully operational in 2024, but that deadline passed without completion.
Officials say the delay was mainly due to unresolved decisions on ground handling and operational management, as well as technical adjustments required inside the terminal building.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Bangladesh and China also discussed cooperation in the tourism sector.
According to the state minister, Chinese investors are interested in conducting a feasibility study on developing Cox’s Bazar beach into an international-standard tourist destination.
China has also expressed interest in increasing flight connectivity with Bangladesh.
Currently, around 12 flights operate weekly between the two countries, and Chinese authorities have proposed adding three more services; two to Guangzhou and one to Beijing.
The additional flights would be considered after China submits a formal request through diplomatic channels.
