The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has proposed reviving eight long-inactive or abandoned airports across the country, aiming to boost socio-economic development, strengthen regional connectivity and expand domestic air transport.
The proposal was discussed and approved in principle at a recent CAAB board meeting and has been sent to the ministry for a final decision.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq said the initiative would be implemented gradually after assessing overall feasibility and in line with government decisions.
Currently, international flights operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. Cox’s Bazar Airport was declared an international airport on August 12, 2025, and is awaiting full-scale operations.
Domestic flights are being operated from several airports, including Saidpur, Jessore, Rajshahi, Barisal and Cox’s Bazar. However, large parts of the country still lack air connectivity, limiting economic and tourism potential.
In this context, the board reviewed the feasibility of reopening several defunct airports located in different regions.
Several of these facilities—such as Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Ishwardi and Comilla airports—were built during World War II and have remained unused for years, putting their infrastructure at risk of deterioration.
Other sites, including Bogra Stallport and Moulvibazar’s Shamshernagar Airport, are currently being used by the Bangladesh Air Force. Meanwhile, Khanjahan Ali Airport in Bagerhat and Patuakhali Stallport have also remained inactive for a long time.
Officials believe reopening these airports could significantly improve air connectivity in both northern and southern regions.
The board decided that a phased plan would be adopted to reopen the airports after conducting feasibility studies. Decisions on priority will consider factors such as population, economic activity, tourism potential and existing transport links.
The eight airports listed for priority consideration are Bogra, Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Ishwardi, Shamshernagar, Khanjahan Ali, Comilla and Patuakhali.
Officials at the meeting said the initiative could create employment opportunities and positively impact sectors such as agriculture, industry and tourism. Improved air connectivity in tourism-heavy areas is also expected to attract more domestic and international visitors.
However, they noted that the project would require significant financial investment and policy support. Authorities have recommended implementing the plan in phases following detailed cost-benefit analyses.
Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, member (Operations and Planning) of CAAB, said a proposal would be sent to the ministry after verifying the feasibility of operating commercial flights at these airports. Further steps will depend on government approval.