Upon initial observation, one might mistake this land for typical arable farmland in Bangladesh.
At the entrance of the main gate stands a nutrition and dairy farm, while various crops, including paddy and wheat, adorn the surrounding lands. Adjacent to this picturesque scene lies a small base belonging to the Bangladesh Army.
Despite the presence of a few soldiers and employees, the atmosphere remains serene and tranquil.
This is the scenario of Comilla Airport, where the bustling activity that once defined it has long since dissipated.
Amidst the expansive landscape, a handful of buildings, adorned with airport signboards, are scattered across the 77-acre area spanning Dhulipara, Newra, and Rajapara area in Comilla.
Abandoned and unused for so long, the once-sturdy runway has succumbed to neglect, losing its Pavement Classification Number (PCN).
Now covered in dust and grass, the asphalt is cracked and fragmented, bearing witness to years of neglect.
Without the presence of administrative signboards, the airport's existence would be nearly indiscernible. Sources reveal that the last aircraft touched down here in 1994, leaving behind remnants of equipment amidst the desolation.
The beginning
According to aviation sources, during the Second World War, in 1941-42, the US established the airport for their own purposes.
Some combat aircraft of the US used to take off and land from this airport to intercept Japanese aircraft.
After that, the airport was used for domestic operations until 1976.
Subsequently, due to unknown reasons, the activities of this airport were suspended.
However, it was reopened in 1994. But due to insufficient passengers, it closed within two weeks. Since then, flights have been suspended till now.
Current status
Comilla was once one of the few airports in the country outside Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet.
Despite not seeing much plane takeoff action, the airport is still operational with its Ground Landing System (GLS) technology active.
Approximately 40 aircraft from both domestic and international destinations utilize the port's signal daily, generating a monthly revenue of at least Tk25-30 lakhs for the government.
The majority of signals are utilized by flights to and from domestic routes in India, Bangkok, and Singapore, as well as flights to Agartala airport.
The airport boasts comprehensive facilities, including navigation aids, a control tower, VHF sets, air communication equipment, and a fire station with fire service personnel.
Currently, there are 24 officers and employees working, with separate rooms available for passengers. Despite the abundance of facilities, the airport has remained inactive in terms of flight operations for over three decades due to a lack of initiative.
However, authorities maintain that initiating flight operations would not require substantial financial investment.
By employing additional manpower for runway maintenance, fire service, and air traffic control tower operations, it is feasible to commence flights on various routes, including Kolkata and Agartala, from this airport. It will require only Tk20-25 crore, says officials of the airport.
Reopening
In 1994, the flight operation of Comilla airport was halted for the second time due to a passenger crisis, and since then, it has not resumed.
However, despite this setback, Comilla has made significant strides in various aspects.
Along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, hundreds of factories, including Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and BCIC industrial cities, have been established, facilitating constant business activities involving businessmen from different countries.
Additionally, higher authorities frequently visit the area, and the city hosts more than 50,000 workers from various countries worldwide, including Europe.
Various government institutions, including BARD, are also located in Comilla, contributing to its growth and development.
Comilla witnessed significant improvements in land communication over the years. However, despite these advancements, travelers often encounter traffic congestion when journeying by road from different districts, including Dhaka and Chittagong, to reach Comilla.
Nevertheless, air travel presents a swift alternative, with a flight from Dhaka to Comilla taking just 25 minutes.
Such air connectivity would establish efficient communication links with the southwestern districts of the country, benefiting not only Comilla but also nearby regions such as Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur.
Businesses interested
Due to growth of businesses in the area in the past three decades, many traders believe the reopening of the airport can contribute greatly in the local economy.
Jewel Rana, an officer at Madhavi Fashion in Comilla EPZ, highlighted the potential benefits of reopening Comilla airport.
He said if the airport is reopened, it would facilitate easier transportation of foreign raw materials through cargo aircraft.
Abdullah Al Mamun, assistant director of Comilla Basic Industrial City, said numerous factories and mills were established in the area from Comilla’s Daudkandi to Feni. He said an airport can help local businesses attract traders from various countries, including China and Japan.
Abdullah Al Mamun expressed confidence that foreign investment in EPZs and BCIC industrial cities would surge with the relaunching of airport.
Dr Azam Khan Noman, president of Comilla Chamber of Commerce, underscored the expanding business opportunities in Comilla.
He said due Comilla’s advantageous position between Dhaka and Comilla, it can become a focal point for both local and foreign investors. He emphasized the importance of improving the transportation system to capitalize on these opportunities.
Additionally, Dr Azam said that more than 13% of Comilla's population works in developed countries, including Europe, suggesting that they would also benefit from resumed flight operations.
Civil society demands
Atiq Ullah Khan Khokon, president of Comilla Shop Owners’ Federation, said: “Comilla is a city rich in tradition. It has everything necessary for prosperity. If the airport is reopened, it would greatly contribute in enhancing the city's prosperity.”
Papri Basu, a prominent leader from Comilla, lamented the prolonged struggle to demand the resumption of operations at Comilla airport.
Sje said: “It is disheartening to see that the airport is not reopening citing various excuses. Concerned authorities should take a look at this.”
What authorities say
Nasir Uddin Ahmed, CNS engineer at Comilla airport, emphasized that despite the suspension of flights, the airport remains a profitable venture for the government due to the revenue generated daily through signal usage.
He highlighted the potential for increased significance and employment opportunities in Comilla once flight operations resume.
Nasir said: “With well-planned initiatives, the airport can be revitalized. We all want flight operations to start.”
MD Touhidul Islam, managing director of Comilla airport, revealed that despite the lack of flight operations, the airport serves as a crucial hub, with 35-40 international route planes utilizing its signal daily.
He said that the government generates significant revenue through the airport, which is managed by Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
Touhidul said that with only 24 manpower currently employed, along with some necessary equipment installation and runway repairs, the airport could resume flight operations with the addition of 20-22 more staff members.