The highly anticipated third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is scheduled to be inaugurated in the first week of October.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) chief Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman, expressing satisfaction over the ongoing construction, revealed that 80 percent of the terminal’s work has been completed thus far.
A soft opening of the newly constructed terminal will take place in October, while the remaining tasks such as equipment installation, calibration, testing, and functional preparations will require another year to be finalized.
During a parliamentary session, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali highlighted the positive impact this project will have, considering the challenges faced by the aviation industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and global economic instability.
The minister commended the government’s efforts, led by the Prime Minister, in achieving a significant revolution in the aviation sector. The construction of the third terminal, at a cost of Tk 22,118 crore, is nearing completion.
Once operational, the third terminal will position Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport among the most modern airports in the world. With a vast total area of 330,000 square meters, the new terminal will have an annual passenger capacity of 20 million. CAAB has projected that an additional 12 million passengers will be accommodated once the third terminal is opened. Presently, the existing two terminals handle around 21,000 passengers daily.
The introduction of the new terminal is a welcome development as the airport has been facing capacity constraints for some time. With the growing number of passengers, the existing terminals have struggled to meet the demand.
The third terminal will not only increase the airport's capacity, but also enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
The new terminal, spanning 542,000 square meters, includes aprons capable of parking 37 planes simultaneously. The terminal building, covering 230,000 square meters, will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies from around the world to provide a sophisticated passenger experience.
Additionally, a rapid exit and connecting taxiway will be established, and a main road beside Le Meridien Hotel will serve as an entry point to the airport. Moreover, a subway will be constructed to connect the Dhaka Elevated Expressway with the airport. The project received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in October 2017.
Industry insiders express hope that with the imminent completion of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, along with the government's commitment to improving other airports and developing a robust tourism infrastructure, Bangladesh is poised to become a more prominent player in the global travel and tourism landscape.
