'International flights from Cox’s Bazar airport likely by Mid-October'

International flights are expected to begin operating from Cox’s Bazar Airport by mid-October, according to Sheikh Bashiruddin, Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser. He confirmed that the airport will initially launch one international flight, with plans to add more in the near future.

Sheikh Bashiruddin made the announcement on Thursday during an inspection of the ongoing construction work at the international terminal building and runway expansion project at Cox’s Bazar Airport.

The advisor also urged residents living illegally on airport land and the general public to cooperate with the development efforts to ensure smooth progress.

Arriving at the airport at around 10:30 am, Sheikh Bashiruddin met with airport officials, project managers, and security personnel before inspecting the international passenger terminal under construction. During the visit, he toured key areas including the arrival hall, check-in counters, proposed immigration zones, mezzanine, and elevation sections of the terminal. He also visited the expanded runway facility.

Following the inspection, Sheikh Bashiruddin and Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), addressed the media at approximately 12:45 pm.

“The expanded runway will enable larger aircraft to land in the future, necessitating stronger security measures at the airport,” said CAAB Chairman Siddiq.

As part of the airport’s upgrade to international standards, the runway has been extended from 9,000 feet to 10,700 feet, and a modern international passenger terminal is currently under construction.