Construct 3rd terminal for Dhaka airport: PM

FE Team | Published: May 14, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to go ahead with constructing the third terminal for the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) as soon as possible to handle the mounting pressure of passengers, reports UNB.
The Prime Minister gave the directive at a meeting on a power-point presentation at her office on a preliminary feasibility study report and draft master plan to build the third terminal, second runway and other infrastructures for the airports.
The feasibility study report and the master plan have been formulated by a joint consulting firm.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Hasina mentioned Bangladesh must have a modern and big international airport considering the country's geographical location.
She said Bangladesh could be a very important hub in terms of connectivity as the country is a bridge between the East and the West. "Bangladesh could play a crucial role in this regard."
In this connection, Hasina listed her government's various initiatives for the development of the country's airports and said it was her government that constructed the second terminal at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Besides, the Prime Minister said her government also upgraded the Sylhet Osmani and Chittagong Shah Amanat airports to international ones.
She said steps have also been taken to transform Cox's Bazar and Syedpur Airports into international standard. "Ishwardi Airport will also have to be developed further."
On completion of the works, the Prime Minister said, these airports would play a very significant role in strengthening connectivity with the outside world.
Official sources said the number of passengers at the airport would cross eight million in 2018. The figure is much above the capacity of the airport. So, there will be a need for constructing a new terminal in 2019 for handling of the increased passengers.
In the current fiscal year, some 6.7 million passengers used the airport, showing an increase of 9.5 per cent.
They said though the annual cargo handling capacity of the airport is 0.2 million tones. Presently 0.237 million tonnes of cargo are transported through the airport. That means the airport is handling 18 per cent more cargo than the present capacity.