In an effort to stimulate economic growth, the government has launched initiatives to revive the country’s defunct airports, some of which have remained inactive for decades.
Currently, six airports lie abandoned, with their facilities either underutilized or repurposed for non-aviation activities, such as cattle farming.
One key project is the revival of Bogra Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has already initiated groundwork for the airport. Meetings have been held with relevant ministries, and a budget of Tk 1,200 crore has been proposed to bring the airport into operation within the next six months. This marks the beginning of an ambitious plan to revive at least three airports within a year.
To meet the growing demand for air travel—driven by road congestion and rising passenger numbers—CAAB is also negotiating with airlines to increase flights at active airports, such as Barisal. Shahjalal International Airport and other regional airports, including Cox’s Bazar and Rajshahi, are already experiencing capacity constraints, underscoring the potential benefits of expanded aviation services.
According to CAAB and domestic airline sources, in light of the increasing demand for air travel due to road traffic congestion, CAAB has accelerated its efforts. Meetings have been held with major airlines, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, NovoAir, and Air Astra, to explore ways to increase flight frequencies, particularly at Barisal Airport.
The six airports under consideration—Ishwardi (Pabna), Thakurgaon, Shamshernagar (Moulvibazar), Comilla, Bogra, and Lalmonirhat—were originally constructed during the British era. Over time, neglect has led to unconventional uses of these spaces, including their conversion into grazing lands for cattle and even farms.
A recent CAAB report, submitted to the Chief Adviser’s Office and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, highlights the dire state of these facilities and underscores the urgency of their renovation.
Focus on Bogra airport
Bogra Airport, built in the early 1990s and completed in 2000, remains unused despite being constructed to international standards. A new initiative to reopen the airport includes acquiring an additional 550 acres of land. Recently, officials—including the Chief of Air Staff and the CAAB Chairman—visited the site.
A CAAB report underscored Bogra's strategic importance due to its proximity to historical landmarks like Mahasthangarh and its thriving industrial base, which includes prominent factories such as Essential Drugs and Uttara Motors. The report noted that approximately 5,000 foreign tourists visit Bogra annually, further justifying the need for a functional airport.
Beyond Bogra, Ishwardi Airport now has new potential due to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Flights from Shamshernagar Airport could benefit residents of Habiganj and Moulvibazar, who currently endure long journeys to Sylhet Airport. Similarly, Comilla Airport, which previously struggled with passenger shortages, may see renewed interest due to nearby economic zones; however, transportation issues have historically deterred foreign investors.
Meanwhile, airports like Thakurgaon and Lalmonirhat have been dormant since the 1980s. The long-stalled Khan Jahan Ali Airport in Bagerhat, initially approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2015 with a budget of Tk 544.75 crore, has yet to progress substantially beyond the construction of perimeter walls.
The history of Khan Jahan Ali Airport underscores the challenges of aviation development in Bangladesh. Initial land selections and acquisitions date back to the 1960s under Pakistan’s rule, with subsequent changes in location during the 1980s.
According to the CAAB report, in 1961, during Pakistan's rule, land was selected for an airport at Moshiari in Phultala, 17 kilometers from the main city of Khulna. In 1968, the location was changed to Teligati in Bil Dakatia, 13 kilometers from Khulna, and land was acquired.
Later, in the 1980s, the location was moved to Katakhali in Fakirhat Upazila of Bagerhat, and during Ershad's regime, there was a declaration to allow small aircraft to land on the Khulna-Mongla Highway.
In 1996, then–Prime Minister Khaleda Zia laid the foundation stone for the project, and in 2011, the ousted Hasina government pledged to develop it into a full-fledged airport. However, bureaucratic and financial hurdles have stalled progress.
Key info on defunct airport
On January 16, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan expressed optimism and said : "We are prioritizing Bogra Airport for reopening. Renovation activities will commence shortly, and once operational, it will significantly benefit the economy."
CAAB officials believe these initiatives will not only enhance connectivity but also unlock untapped economic potential in the regions surrounding the airports. If successful, this ambitious effort to revive Bangladesh's aviation infrastructure could mark a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward modernization.
However, the CAAB chief noted that the revival of these airports faces significant challenges. Influential individuals have occupied lands around the abandoned facilities, using them for residential and commercial purposes.
According to the CAAB chairman, the reclamation of encroached airport land is being pursued with renewed vigor, reflecting the prioritization of restoring these long-dormant facilities. Efforts are in full swing to expedite this process, with the government exhibiting a steadfast commitment to revitalizing these key infrastructures.
"Our target is to bring at least three airports back into operation within the next year, a goal supported by a detailed budget proposal aimed at addressing these issues promptly," he added.