State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has said it may take six to nine months to launch operations from third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
"We are trying to expedite the process, but based on our assessment it may take six to nine months. There is a possibility that the terminal could be opened within nine months," he told reporters at the secretariat on Wednesday, reports BSS.
A senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) told BSS today that a fresh round of negotiations with the Japanese consortium will be held on March 13 to move forward with plans to make the terminal fully operational.
The third terminal project has faced delays due to unresolved issues over operation and maintenance arrangements with the Japanese consortium comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation and Narita International Airport Corporation during the interim government's tenure.
After assuming the power, the BNP government has stepped up efforts to resolve contractual and technical issues to ensure the terminal becomes operational at the earliest.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, at a recent high-level meeting at the Cabinet Division, directed the authorities concerned to remove the bottlenecks.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita also acknowledged that the project experienced delays during the interim government period and said the current government is determined to complete the process and open the terminal as soon as possible.
The third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, once operational, is expected to significantly enhance Bangladesh's aviation capacity and strengthen the country's position as a regional aviation hub.
HSIA third terminal likely to start operation by 6 to 9 months: Millat
FE Team | Published: March 12, 2026 00:41:00
HSIA third terminal likely to start operation by 6 to 9 months: Millat
Share if you like