Driveway closure of Ctg airport leaves passengers suffering

Passengers of Shah Amanat International Airport in the port city of Chattogram are facing severe suffering as vehicular movement on the airport driveway has been suspended since 6 January, in what the authorities claimed over security issue, forcing travellers to walk a long path with luggage and other valuables from the parking area to the terminal.

The restriction is sharp contrast to Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport where driveways at both the international and domestic terminals remain normal, triggering widespread criticism, particularly on social media, with many questionings why such decision for only Chattogram.

Currently, no traffics are allowed to use the driveway in front of the terminal at the airport. All vehicles must enter the parking area, from where passengers must walk across the driveway into the terminal. All Arriving passengers, including expatriates returning with heavy luggage, must use the same route in reverse to reach their vehicles.

The situation is more difficult for elderly, sick and wheelchair-bound travellers, according to multiple accounts shared online.

Airport sources said nearly 30 flights operate daily from the port city airport, serving both domestic and international routes. At least 5,000 passengers use the airport each day.

The issue drew wider attention when former BGMEA first vice-president and former Chittagong Club president SM Abu Tayyub posted side-by-side photos of Dhaka and Chattogram airports on social media, writing the airport is possibly the only airport in the world where passengers are not allowed to approach the terminal by vehicle, unless the country is in a war or conflict zone such as Ukraine or Gaza.

"Is there any war or conflict going on in Chattogram that the airport's security is under such threat?" he questioned.

His post drew hundreds of comments, with many netizens expressing anger and frustration, with some alleging that the decision was taken to benefit the parking area leaseholder, as all vehicles are now forced to enter the parking zone and pay fees. Currently, cars and microbuses are charged Tk60, while CNG-run auto-rickshaws pay Tk25 to enter the parking area.

Although airport authorities have said that parking fees should not be collected from vehicles carrying domestic passengers, users claim the rule is not being properly applied. Several passengers said money is collected at the entry point, and many are unaware that domestic passengers are supposed to be exempt.

Speaking to The Business Standard, SM Abu Tayyub said the decision was unfortunate and unnecessary in its current form.

"Security is important, no doubt. But is this the only way?" he questioned. "If security is the concern, tickets could be checked before allowing vehicles onto the driveway. Relatives and visitors can be restricted, that's fine. But allowing verified passengers to use the driveway would end most of this suffering."

Airport authorities, however, claimed that the measure is driven by security considerations. The airport's Public Relations Officer Engineer Ibrahim Khalil said the decision was taken following a threat alert.

"After receiving a threat some time ago, a high-level meeting was held with intelligence agencies and all relevant authorities," he said. "Based on their reports and warnings, a decision was taken regarding the driveway."

"Both the Dhaka and Chattogram airports are under the same authority, CAAB. The authority decided to keep the driveway closed in Chattogram and open in Dhaka based on intelligence reports," he added.

Highlighting the importance of the airport, he said, "Any untoward incident here could turn into a national crisis," adding that the restriction is temporary.  

However, he said trolleys are now kept at the parking area instead of the driveway for passenger convenience, as they have to walk only a few extra steps for security reasons.