Govt charts ambitious aviation, tourism roadmap after first 100 days

Dhaka : The government's first 100 days in office have been marked by an ambitious reform agenda for Bangladesh's civil aviation and tourism sectors, with authorities targeting the opening of Hazrat Shahjalal Interna-tional Airport's long-awaited Third Terminal by Decem-ber 2026, launching international operations from Cox's Bazar Airport by September 2026, expanding Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet, and pursuing widespread structural reforms aimed at improving transparency and competitiveness.

Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor in an exclusive interview, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat outlined a broad roadmap that spans aviation infrastructure, airline expansion, airport development, tourism promotion, and public-private partnerships.

"We started with reforming the organizations," the State Minister said, noting that institutional restructuring became the government's immediate priority after assuming office.

According to him, a new Board of Directors has already been formed at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, followed by the appointment of experienced professionals to key management positions.

One of the government's biggest announcements is the signing of a contract to acquire 14 Boeing aircraft, which Millat described as essential for Biman's long-term growth.

"Biman's fleet is very small. There are many promising destinations where we cannot operate because of aircraft shortages. With these new aircraft, Biman will be able to expand," he said.

Until the new aircraft are delivered, the airline is also evaluating lease offers while simultaneously recruiting cadet pilots to address an anticipated shortage of flight crew. The government is also revising pilots' salary structures to improve recruitment and retention.

Third Terminal back on track

Perhaps the most significant development concerns Dhaka airport's Third Terminal, whose operational readiness had stalled following the cancellation of the operator selection process.

Millat said, the government restarted negotiations with the Japanese consortium responsible for the project after extensive diplomatic enga-gement involving both the Japanese Ambassador and Japan's Civil Aviation Minister.

According to the State Minister, Bangladesh successfully renegotiated the revenue-sharing arrangement from an initial 15 percent offered by Japan to 27 percent.

Following the expected signing of the agreement in July, Japan will begin the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process, which is expected to take approximately three months.

"If everything proceeds as planned, we expect at least a soft opening of the Third Terminal by December," he said.

Cox's Bazar set for int'l operations

The government is also preparing to make Cox's Bazar Airport Bangladesh's next international gateway.

Millat said, installation of equipment, furniture, and airport systems has largely been completed, with only systems integration remaining.

"We are aiming to start international operations by September," he said.

Beyond Cox's Bazar, the ministry is evaluating several other airports for international services while planning to reopen a number of dormant airports.

Bogura Airport is being considered for dual runways and eventual international operations alongside the development of a cargo hub, while Ishwardi and Shamshernagar are also under active consideration.

Millat noted that reopening Ishwardi Airport would support the nearby Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant by facilitating travel for foreign specialists as well as cargo movements, while also benefiting the wider Pabna region.

Push for transparency, competition

Transparency remains a central pillar of the government's aviation agenda, according to the State Minister.

Aircraft leasing decisions will be guided by international aviation consultants appointed through open tenders, rather than internal decision-making.

"We are not technical experts. We want experienced consultants to guide us, and every process will be transparent," he said.

The ministry is also attempting to dismantle monopolies in several aviation service sectors, including General Sales Agents (GSAs), ground handling, and cargo handling at Dhaka Airport.

Rather than allowing a single operator to dominate these services, the government intends to introduce multiple qualified players to improve efficiency and service quality.

To improve passenger handling, the government is considering forming a consortium between Biman and an internationally reputed ground handling company.

Several global operators, including Menzies, Çelebi and firms from Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, have already expressed interest, Millat said.

Category 1 target, New York ambition

Another major objective is upgrading Bangladesh from Category 2 to Category 1 under the US Federal Aviation Administration's International Aviation Safety Assessment program.

Millat said, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is working to complete all required improvements before the next international audit.

Achieving Category 1 status would pave the way for direct flights between Dhaka and the United States, including the possible resumption of Biman's New York service.

Meanwhile, CAAB has recorded more than BDT 200 crore in revenue during the past three months, aided by the commissioning of a new Thales radar system covering up to 200 nautical miles, extending surveillance to Bangladesh's maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.

The radar now enables Bangladesh to collect overflight charges from aircraft using its airspace more effectively, contributing significantly to recent revenue growth.

Tourism gets renewed focus

The government is also pursuing reforms across the tourism sector.

Loss-making properties of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, including Hotel Shaibal and Motel Probal in Cox's Bazar, are being prepared for operation under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

The ministry is also in discussions with China regarding the development of Cox's Bazar beach to international standards.

Planned improvements include public shower facilities, changing rooms and upgraded beach infrastructure to improve the visitor experience.

The government is simultaneously seeking to strengthen the Tourist Police.

Although Bangladesh has around 1,400 tourist destinations, Millat acknowledged that the existing tourist police force remains inadequate.

The ministry is working with the Home Ministry to increase personnel deployment at tourist destinations nationwide.

Fleet expansion for future growth

Looking further ahead, the government envisions a significantly larger national carrier.

Alongside Boeing purchases, discussions are also underway with Airbus regarding leased aircraft as part of plans to establish a mixed fleet.

Millat said, passenger demand through Dhaka airport is expected to rise sharply after the Third Terminal becomes operational, increasing annual passenger throughput from around 12 million currently to between 25 million and 30 million.

To meet future demand, particularly on Middle Eastern routes, the government estimates Biman will eventually require a fleet of approximately 47 aircraft.

The airline also plans to expand services to Tokyo.

Currently operating one weekly flight due to aircraft shortages, Biman hopes to increase frequencies to three-weekly once leased aircraft become available, serving Bangladesh's sizeable expatriate community in Japan as well as growing tourism, education and business travel demand.

Summing up the government's approach, Millat said the administration aims to build profitable, transparent, and globally competitive aviation and tourism institutions capable of supporting Bangladesh's long-term economic growth.

"We want to work for the country, not for ourselves."