Cox’s Bazar airport officially upgraded to international status, opening new chapter in tourism and aviation
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism issued a notification in this regard yesterday (12 October)
The government has officially declared Cox's Bazar Airport as an international airport, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh's aviation and tourism development.
A gazette notification, signed by Joint Secretary Ahmed Jamil on Sunday and issued by order of the President, formally designated the facility as Cox's Bazar International Airport under Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 16 of the Civil Aviation Rules, 1984.
The order took immediate effect in the public interest, sources from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry confirmed, reports BSS.
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Officials said international flight operations from Cox's Bazar will begin later this month on a limited scale as part of a "soft launch", with full services to follow upon completion of ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier, has already planned its maiden international flight on the Cox's Bazar-Kolkata-Cox's Bazar route via Dhaka, heralding a new phase in regional connectivity and tourism promotion, a Biman official stated.
A senior official at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said, "The declaration of Cox's Bazar as an international airport is a major step toward transforming the district into a global tourism hub. The airport's operational readiness will significantly strengthen air connectivity and enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in the South Asian travel market."
The upgradation project, launched in 2021, aims to transform Cox's Bazar into a full-fledged international gateway with modern facilities.
A separate runway expansion project is underway to extend the existing 6,775-foot airstrip to 9,000 feet to accommodate wide-body aircraft, with completion expected by December 2026.
Cox's Bazar International Airport is now Bangladesh's fourth international airport, following Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.
Officials expect the new facility to attract international tourists to Bangladesh's premier beach destination, facilitate exports of perishable goods, create new business opportunities, and generate local employment.
Civil Aviation and Tourism authorities emphasised that the government remains committed to positioning Cox's Bazar as a major regional aviation hub, aligning with its long-term vision for sustainable tourism growth and economic development.
