Cox’s Bazar International Airport is set to be officially inaugurated in mid-October. The runway expansion is almost complete, with the new section, built over the sea, now fully ready. If everything goes according to plan, international flights will begin operating from Cox’s Bazar by mid-October, potentially boosting the region’s tourism and economy. The news has been hailed by airport users, local businesses, and the general public, with hope that the new international status will add a new dimension to regional travel and communication.
However, environmentalists are voicing serious concerns about the environmental impact of the runway constructed over the sea and river.
Currently, Bangladesh has three international airports. The project to upgrade Cox’s Bazar Airport to international standards was inaugurated on July 2, 2015. Since then, work has been going on to transform the airport. The runway has been extended from 6,775 feet to 9,000 feet, making it the longest in the country. All lighting and construction work is nearing completion.
Project coordinator Mosharraf Hossain said, “The bridge construction is complete, and the lighting systems are installed. Work on the runway lighting system is going on, with crew working round the clock. The runway is essentially ready. We’re prepared for the inauguration.”
The announcement of the airport's international status has brought joy to local businesses and the community.
Zainal Abedin, President of the Cox’s Bazar Airport Business Association, said, “Once this airport becomes international, business owners like us will reap benefit most. We’ll be able to conduct international trade, including exporting dried fish directly from here. Our trade with various countries will expand.”
Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka, President of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce, added, “This will create opportunities for multidimensional connectivity. Business owners will gain significantly. Goods that previously had to be sent from Dhaka or Chattogram can now be shipped directly from Cox’s Bazar. International aircraft flying over Cox’s Bazar may also refuel here, generating additional revenue. People from Cox’s Bazar who live in the Middle East or elsewhere will be able to fly from here directly. This is a milestone for our local economy.”
A.N.M. Helal Uddin, President of Cox’s Bazar Nagarik Forum, said, “The international airport will expand the Blue Economy. It will fulfill a long-cherished dream of the local people and enhance Cox’s Bazar’s global recognition.”
However, environmentalists such as Karim Ullah Kalim, General Secretary of BAPA (Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon) Cox’s Bazar, have raised alarms. He warns that the runway over the river poses serious risks to environment and biodiversity. “The Bakkhali River is drying up. This river carries all the town’s water to the sea, but the runway construction is causing siltation, which could lead to increased beach erosion in Cox’s Bazar. The government ignored environmental impact assessments and proceeded arbitrarily. While everyone may benefit from the airport, the people of Cox’s Bazar will bear the brunt of the environmental fallout. BIWTA has already said the river will need annual dredging because of the runway.”
During a recent site visit, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq said, “Our team reviewed the progress, and based on what we’ve seen, Cox’s Bazar International Airport will be ready to launch by mid-October. Work is going on day and night. Whatever the difficulty, we will be at least partially ready to operate by mid-October. The government wants the airport operational as soon as possible, and we’re working to meet that goal.”
All eyes are now on the official launch date of Cox’s Bazar International Airport. Experts believe the airport’s inauguration will usher in a new era for tourism and the economy in this coastal region.
