HSIA's third terminal likely to start operation in six to nine months: State Minister

Dhaka: State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has said it may take six to nine months to launch operations from the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

“We are trying to expedite the process, but based on our assessment, it may take six to nine months. There is a possibility that the terminal could be opened within nine months,” he told reporters at the secretariat today.

Millat said following the directives of the prime minister, the authorities are working to accelerate the process, but six to nine months are required to launch the operation.

A senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said that a fresh round of negotiations with the Japanese consortium will be held on March 13 to move forward with plans to make the terminal fully operational.

The third terminal project has faced delays due to unresolved issues over operation and maintenance arrangements with the Japanese consortium comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation, and Narita International Airport Corporation during the interim government’s tenure.

After assuming the power, the BNP government has stepped up efforts to resolve contractual and technical issues to ensure the terminal becomes operational at the earliest.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, at a recent high-level meeting at the Cabinet Division, directed the authorities concerned to remove the bottlenecks.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita also acknowledged that the project experienced delays during the interim government period and said the current government is determined to complete the process and open the terminal as soon as possible.

The third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, once operational, is expected to significantly enhance Bangladesh’s aviation capacity and strengthen the country’s position as a regional aviation hub.