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Dhaka: Cargo operations will begin for the first time ever at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport on April 27. Bangladesh will be launching the first cargo flight from the airport which will be marked by a ceremonial water cannon salute.
The move is aimed at bolstering export logistics following India's sudden suspension of third-country transshipment earlier this month.
"We are all set to launch the first freighter flight from Sylhet on April 27, making it the second airport in Bangladesh to handle dedicated cargo operations after Dhaka," said Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan.
A chartered Airbus A330-300 freighter operated by Galistair Aviation is scheduled to depart Sunday evening, carrying 60 tons of readymade garments to Spain, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines will provide ground-handling services for the operation.
Bhuiyan informed that CAAB had completed all necessary preparations, including cargo check-in and security deployment, ahead of the inaugural flight.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin will attend 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 will be present on the occasion as Special Guests.
“Products from Sylhet will now reach global markets directly, as direct air cargo services from Osmani International Airport are set to commence, operated under the joint ownership of Mexican cargo airline MAS Air and Galistair,” said Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey in a social media post.
“This new initiative marks the opening of a new horizon for our national capabilities,” claimed the envoy.
CAAB Chairman Bhuiyan will chair the event before the freighter's scheduled departure at 7:10 pm.
Reports cited Biman's Director of Cargo Shakil Miraz confirming that the national flag carrier has finalized preparations for cargo operations at Sylhet Airport.
"We have transferred ground-handling equipment from Dhaka to Sylhet and are fully ready for the inaugural flight," he noted.
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