Aviation ministry assures priority to Turkish firm for airport ground handling services
The assurance came during a courtesy meeting held today (12 May) at the ministry between representatives of Çelebi Aviation and senior Bangladeshi officials, led by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has assured Turkish aviation services company Çelebi Aviation that it will receive priority consideration in the appointment process for ground handling operations at the country's airports.
The assurance came during a courtesy meeting held today (12 May) at the ministry between representatives of Çelebi Aviation and senior Bangladeshi officials, led by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat.
According to the ministry's press release, the Turkish company expressed strong interest in participating in Bangladesh's ground handling sector to help enhance airport service quality and operational efficiency. In response, the minister and state minister assured that Çelebi Aviation would be given priority in the appointment process for ground handling companies.
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During the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam highlighted the government's broader aviation and tourism development goals, particularly the internationalisation of Cox's Bazar Airport, and invited potential collaboration with Çelebi Aviation in airport ground services.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat also encouraged the company to submit a concept paper outlining proposals to improve passenger service standards at Bangladeshi airports.
The meeting was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen and Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter.
Officials from both sides expressed optimism about expanding Bangladesh-Türkiye cooperation under future public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives in aviation and tourism infrastructure development.
The development comes as Bangladesh accelerates preparations for expanded operations at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where improved ground handling capacity is expected to play a key role in enhancing passenger experience and international connectivity.
Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the sole ground handling operator at all airports across Bangladesh. Recently, the chairman of the civil aviation authority of Bangladesh said that a second ground handler will be appointed for the third terminal of the Dhaka airport to increase competitiveness and passenger services.
