The government is planning to open the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said on Tuesday, adding that preparations are in the final stage.
She made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Aviation and Tourism Journalists Association (BATJA) at the secretariat.
“The preparations for opening the terminal are now in the final stage,” she said.
Once operational, the new terminal will significantly improve passenger services, she said, adding that immigration, baggage handling and boarding processes would become faster, while international passenger handling capacity would increase substantially.
She said the government was also taking steps to expand the aircraft fleet in line with rising passenger demand and the expansion of international routes.
“With new aircraft, flight operations capacity will increase and the quality of service will also improve,” she said.
Afroza Khanam Rita said the government was considering a mixed fleet and planned to lease at least five aircraft within the year.
She added that various initiatives were underway to modernise the country’s aviation and tourism sector, enhance safety and bring operations up to international standards. She also sought cooperation from journalists in highlighting positive developments in the sector at home and abroad.
Meanwhile, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat also said new aircraft would be added to the fleet of the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines.