HSIA T3 contract negotiation with Japan underway

Dhaka : Formal negotiations between the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and a Japanese consortium over the operating contract for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Third Terminal began on September 8. Prior to that, during a visit to the terminal, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the annoucement to the media.

The government is targeting partial operations at the terminal from December 16, with Millat saying he remains hopeful the deadline can be met.

Initially, the terminal could handle around 20 flights, with operations gradually expanding, he added.

The Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process is 57 percent complete, while the consortium and other agencies will complete the remaining 43 percent.

Full operations could take another three to five months after the partial opening, with the Minister hoping for full-scale operations by March or April next year. Customs will install scanners and immigration facilities will be introduced in phases.

Bangladesh's proposed revenue share from the terminal's operation has increased from 15 percent to 27 percent following discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other authorities, said Millat.

CAAB has already paid around BDT 1,100 crore in loan instalments from its other earnings and will have to pay another BDT 900 crore in December, he claimed.

On ground handling, Millat said the negotiations would determine how responsibilities are divided between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the foreign operator.