Cox's Bazar International Airport to be inaugurated in October: Millat

The Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, M Rashiduzzaman Millat, today (24 August) said Cox's Bazar International Airport will be formally inaugurated in October.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the airport, the minister said.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

"Cox's Bazar International Airport will be formally inaugurated in October," he said, adding that Biman Bangladesh Airlines and various international airlines will operate flights from the airport.

Several foreign airlines have already expressed interest in operating flights from Cox's Bazar, he said.

"Initiatives have been taken to launch direct international flights from Cox's Bazar through communication and coordination with international airlines," the minister said.

The process of signing the necessary agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) is currently underway, he added.

Speaking about the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), the minister said the government is moving ahead with the target of opening the terminal in December.

"Necessary preparations are underway in this regard. An agreement with the Japanese consortium will be signed in September," he said.

The third terminal will increase the airport's capacity and improve passenger services, making it possible to provide services at international standards, he added.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar congratulated him on his recent appointment and expressed hope that the aviation and tourism sectors would advance further under his leadership.

ATJFB General Secretary Baten Biplob and other members of the organisation were also present at the meeting.