The third terminal at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is gearing up for a complete finish by April 5, 2024, signaling a major milestone in the country’s aviation infrastructure expansion and modernization.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is poised to take over terminal responsibilities from the contractor, initiating the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) project. Project Director AKM Maksudul Islam assures that nearly all construction, including civil engineering tasks, is on the brink of completion, with any remaining work anticipated to wrap up in the first week of April. The handover to CAAB is scheduled for April 6.
Preparations are already in motion for the full operational launch in October, encompassing system integration, calibration tasks, and successful evaluations. According to Air Vice Marshal (AVM) M Mafidur Rahman, CAAB Chairman, the third terminal is primed for flight operations and is expected to be fully functional by October.
This expansion is set to significantly enhance Dhaka Airport’s capacity, supporting the growth of domestic and international airline operations. The new terminal is projected to elevate passenger amenities, boost revenue, and enhance overall airport efficiency.
AVM M Mafidur Rahman acknowledges the completion of the project ahead of schedule, within budget, and without compromising quality. The third terminal, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, aims to ensure superior service quality for passengers, accommodating the anticipated surge in both domestic and international travelers.
The expansion project, approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2017, was awarded to the Aviation Dhaka Consortium. The soft opening in October 2023 marked a key milestone, with the fully completed terminal set to double Dhaka Airport’s aircraft-handling capacity and increase annual passenger throughput from 8 million to 20 million.
The third terminal, spanning 230,000 square meters, will feature 115 check-in counters, enhanced security measures, 12 boarding bridges, and parking for 37 aircraft. It will connect to the metro rail and Dhaka Elevated Expressway, solidifying Dhaka Airport’s position as a regional aviation hub. Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other carriers are gearing up to expand operations, showcasing the terminal’s potential impact on domestic and foreign airline services.
