First-ever cargo flight from Sylhet Airport takes off

Dhaka: For the first time in the country’s history, a cargo flight departed Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport for Europe on April 27 evening.

The departure of the first-ever cargo freighter, carrying 60 tons of cargo—especially readymade garments, at Sylhet Airport was marked by a ceremonial water canon salute.

The maiden flight was operated by Galistair Aviation with a chartered Airbus A330-300 freighter. Initially, the cargo airline will operate two weekly flights from Sylhet Airport to Spain.

The move is aimed at strengthening export logistics of the country following India’s abrupt suspension of third-country transshipment earlier this month.

“This marks the second airport in Bangladesh to handle dedicated cargo flights after Dhaka,” said the Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is providing ground-handling services for cargo operations at Sylhet Airport.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin attended the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest while Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey and Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan were present on the occasion as Special Guests.

“Products from Sylhet can now reach global markets directly, as direct air cargo services from Osmani International Airport has commenced, operated under the joint ownership of Mexican cargo airline MAS Air and Galistair,” said Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey.

“This new initiative marks the opening of a new horizon for our national capabilities,” concluded the envoy.