Airport limits access for 48 hours citing security and operational needs

Entry to the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) area in Dhaka will be restricted to passengers only from 6:00pm tomorrow until 6:00pm on December 25, airport authorities said today.

Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, executive director of HSIA, said the decision was taken to ensure smooth passenger service, security and operational discipline.

The restriction comes ahead of the scheduled return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday (December 25).

Airport sources said the measure was taken in advance to maintain security and order in view of the high-profile political event.

The restriction was imposed for special operational and security reasons to ensure safe and hassle-free travel and orderly airport operations, the airport officials said.

During the specified period, only passengers holding valid tickets will be allowed to enter the airport terminal. Relatives accompanying passengers, visitors and other individuals will not be permitted to enter the airport area, the authorities said.

Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines advised passengers travelling on December 25 to allow additional time to reach the airport, citing the likelihood of heavy traffic congestion on Airport Road, Uttara, Purbachal and surrounding areas.