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Dhaka: The newly commissioned Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) has been officially inaugurated at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking a significant upgrade to the airspace management infrastructure of Bangladesh.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam formally inaugurated the facility as the chief guest during an inauguration ceremony held on April 20. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as the special guest.
Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, French Ambassador to Bangladesh; Fahmida Akhter, Secretary of Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry; and Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), were also present among the distinguished guests.
The new ATMC is powered by an advanced ATM-CNS system supplied by French defense and technology company Thales. The system incorporates integrated flight data processing, advanced radar, and ADS-B capabilities, as well as an advanced safety net that enables real-time, data-driven decision-making.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the ATM Automation System had already commenced operations from the new center on January 22, ahead of the official inauguration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Khanam said the introduction of a modern and automated air traffic management system would make Bangladesh's airspace safer, more efficient, and international standards compliant. She also noted that efforts to transform Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport into a global aviation hub are actively underway.
State Minister Millat highlighted the new system would create opportunities for integrated airspace management through regional cooperation and information exchange. He emphasized the need for continuous training to develop skilled human resources.
Ambassador Séré-Charlet described the Bangladesh-France collaboration as a shining example of mutual trust and friendship. He expressed optimism that France would continue supporting the development of Bangladesh's aviation sector.
CAAB member for ATM, Air Commodore Md. Noor-e-Alam, said the new system is expected to increase airspace capacity, reduce flight delays, and generate higher overflight revenues. He added the upgrade would make Bangladesh's airspace more attractive to international airlines.
Officials also pointed to the center's role in supporting future initiatives, including the expansion of Bangladesh's Flight Information Region (FIR), which could further strengthen the country's strategic position in regional aviation.
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