PM to inaugurate Cox’s Bazar International Airport in October: Millat

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Monday that Cox’s Bazar International Airport is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in October.

“The airport will be formally inaugurated in October. In addition to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, several international carriers are expected to operate flights from the airport,” Millat said.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The minister said the conversion of Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international facility is progressing, with a number of foreign airlines already showing interest in operating flights to the country’s leading tourist destination.

He added that the government is coordinating with international airlines to introduce direct international services from Cox’s Bazar.

Speaking about the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), Millat said the government aims to make the facility operational in December, with preparations already underway.

“We are moving forward with the target of making the terminal operational in December. Necessary preparations are underway to this end,” he said.

Millat also said an agreement with the Japanese consortium involved in the Third Terminal project is expected to be signed next month.

Once operational, the terminal will expand HSIA’s handling capacity, improve passenger services and help bring facilities at Bangladesh’s main international gateway up to international standards.

During the meeting, ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar congratulated Millat on behalf of the organisation on assuming his ministerial responsibilities.

ATJFB General Secretary Baten Biplob and other members of the organisation were also present.