Cox's Bazar airport begins trial operations at new international terminal

Cox's Bazar : Cox's Bazar Airport has begun trial operations at its newly built international passenger terminal, marking a major step toward the popular tourist destination's planned transition into an international aviation hub. Trial flights started on September 28 with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) saying the terminal is equipped to handle international services once full operations begin. Designed around Cox's Bazar's coastal identity, the terminal features a shell-shaped roof and steel structures modeled on ocean waves. The upgraded facility is expected to increase the airport's annual passenger-handling capacity from about 730,000 to two million. The airport's expanded apron covers 36,300 square meters and can accommodate two widebody aircraft and three Dash 8 aircraft simultaneously. CAAB officials said the airport has also received certification from the International Civil Aviation Organization after its capability for international operations was assessed. The new terminal includes four immigration counters for departing passengers and six for arrivals, along with two baggage belts. Other facilities include flight information displays, public announcement systems, CCTV surveillance, baggage and hand-luggage screening, check-in counters, lounges, elevators, escalators, duty-free facilities and boarding bridges. Security supervisors, at the international passenger terminal, said security arrangements involving multiple government agencies have been put in place for the trial operation. The airport currently handles about 54 aircraft movements a day, according to authorities. The airport modernization project has been developed at a cost of BDT 1,868 crore. Once fully operational, Cox's Bazar is ex-pected to become Bangladesh's fourth international airport. Authorities are planning a formal inauguration of the upgraded airport and its new runway in October. The development is expected to strengthen air connectivity to one of Bangladesh's most visited tourism destinations and create scope for future international passenger services.