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Dhaka: The long-awaited Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is now expected to open in early 2027, as authorities continue negotiations with a Japanese consortium and prepare for critical operational testing.
Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh said, the delay is mainly due to pending agreements and the need to complete the Operation Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process—a comprehensive trial phase designed to ensure smooth functioning before full-scale launch.
CAAB Chairman Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq said, finalizing the agreement could take several months, after which the testing phase may run for up to a year. The terminal is expected to open roughly six months after these trial operations begin.
Authorities said, they are proceeding cautiously to avoid disruptions, noting that many airport transition projects globally face operational challenges if rushed.
The project involves a consortium of Japanese firms, including Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei, and Narita International Airport Corporation. Talks between the two sides resumed earlier this year after a pause, focusing on key issues such as revenue sharing, fees, and operational responsibilities.
Although the terminal was inaugurated in October 2023, it has remained non-operational due to unresolved management arrangements. Under the proposed plan, the Japanese consortium will oversee operations, while CAAB will retain control of security.
Built at a cost of more than BDT 21,000 crore with support from Japan International Cooperation Agency, the new terminal is expected to significantly expand the airport’s capacity. Once fully operational, it will boost annual passenger handling capacity to around 24 million and strengthen cargo operations.
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