Bangladesh Strengthens Air Cargo Capacity Following Indian Transshipment Suspension

Bangladesh is rapidly enhancing its air cargo capabilities in response to India's recent halt on third-country transhipment, taking immediate steps to expand capacity, deploy additional personnel, and cut costs to maintain the smooth export of critical goods, especially ready-made garments. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier and sole ground-handling provider, are working together on several initiatives to ensure continued cargo operations.

"We're collaborating to revise civil aviation and ground-handling tariffs to make air cargo more cost-effective," said CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan. The government is planning to establish a task force, led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, to streamline and reduce cargo-related charges. "We have clear directives to ensure air cargo operations continue without disruption, regardless of external challenges," he added.

The CAAB has already stationed additional staff at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) cargo terminal, while Osmani International Airport in Sylhet will begin full-scale cargo operations on April 27, followed by Chattogram. Plans are also in place to expedite customs clearance processes. Biman is recruiting additional personnel to handle the surge in shipments redirected from India.

The opening of the new third terminal at HSIA is expected to significantly boost cargo capacity, with a potential increase in annual export cargo capacity from 200,000 tonnes to 546,000 tonnes, featuring automated systems and expanded storage. Bangladesh’s air cargo sector is facing challenges due to India’s decision to revoke the four-year land transshipment agreement, a key route for garment exports. However, local stakeholders see this disruption as an opportunity to develop Bangladesh as a regional air cargo hub.