Cox's Bazar airport set for international launch in October: Minister

Cox's Bazar Airport is set to be formally inaugurated as an international airport in October, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Monday (August 24).

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the airport, the minister said while speaking to members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) during a courtesy meeting at the Secretariat.

Millat said the work to upgrade Cox's Bazar Airport to international standards is progressing and both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and foreign carriers are expected to operate flights from the airport after its inauguration.

Several international airlines have already expressed interest in launching flights from Cox's Bazar, he said, adding that the government is working with the carriers to establish direct international routes.

"Necessary agreements and memorandums of understanding are in the process of being signed," the minister said.

The government is also targeting December to open the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Millat said.

Preparations are under way for the opening, while an agreement with a Japanese consortium is expected to be signed in September, he added.

Once operational, the third terminal will increase the airport's passenger-handling capacity and improve service standards, the minister said.

During the meeting, ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar congratulated Millat on assuming office and expressed hope that his leadership would help further develop the country's aviation and tourism sectors.