Entry to the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) area in Dhaka will be restricted to passengers only from 6:00pm on December 24 to until 6:00pm tomorrow (Thursday), according to the airport authorities.
"In the interest of maintaining smooth passenger service, security, and operational discipline at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, entry into the airport area will be completely prohibited for all co-passengers and visitors other than designated passengers from 6:00 PM on 24 December to 6:00 PM on 25 December 2025," said a press release issued on Tuesday by Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, executive director of the HSIA.
Airport sources said the measure was taken in advance to maintain security and order in view of the high-profile political event.
During the specified period, only passengers holding valid tickets will be allowed to enter the airport terminal. Relatives accompanying passengers, visitors and other individuals will not be permitted to enter the airport area, the authorities said.
Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has urged its domestic and international passengers to proceed to the airport with sufficient time in hand on December 25 amid possible heavy traffic congestion around the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
In a press release, Biman Bangladesh Airlines said information from various media outlets indicated the likelihood of large public gatherings on December 25 in and around HSIA, the roads connecting the airport to Gulshan, and the Purbachal Expressway (300 Feet Road), which might lead to severe traffic congestion.
The national flag carrier specially requested all passengers, on both domestic and international routes, to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time to reach the airport to avoid inconvenience.
Meanwhile, Drone operations have been banned in and around all airports including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to national security risks and safe air navigation.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) issued a letter in this regard informing all the authorities concerned, said a PID handout.
According to the letter, although unauthorised drone operation in airport areas are completely prohibited under the Drone Registration and Flight Policy 2020, some electronic media outlets operated drones without permission on December 19 while covering the reception of the body of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi at the airport.
The incident took place in the presence of three advisers and other important persons and drone footage was captured without prior approval which pose a serious threat to aviation safety, it said. CAAB urged representatives of electronic media and the general public to refrain from flying drones in and around airport areas.
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