Swissport expresses interest in ground handling services at Dhaka airport

Swissport, a Switzerland-based global aviation services provider, has expressed interest in providing ground handling services at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), as Bangladesh seeks to expand operational capacity at its largest airport.

The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, along with State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, at the ministry's conference room today (16 June).

According to a press release issued by the ministry, the meeting focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Switzerland, with particular emphasis on cooperation in the aviation sector.

During the discussions, the Swiss delegation highlighted Swissport's interest, citing the airport's growing infrastructure and future operational needs.

The minister and state minister welcomed the proposal and invited the company to submit a formal application. They assured the Swiss delegation that any proposal would be considered in accordance with the government's existing policies and regulations.

Swissport is one of the world's leading aviation services companies, offering ground handling, cargo management, and airport support services at hundreds of airports worldwide.

The interest comes as Bangladesh prepares for the launch of operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, a major expansion project aimed at boosting passenger and cargo handling capacity.

In recent years, aviation service providers from the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have also expressed interest in offering ground handling services at the Dhaka airport, particularly at the newly built third terminal.