Dhaka airport sees 7% increase in passengers in 2024 despite political unrest

The number of passengers passing through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka grew by approximately 7% over the past year, despite significant political turmoil.

Industry insiders attribute much of this growth to the sustained movement of migrant workers, which has played a crucial role in the 8% increase in international travellers.

According to Dhaka airport data, around 12.5 million passengers – both domestic and international – travelled through the country's largest airport in 2024. The number was 11.7 million in 2023.

"The political unrest lasted no more than 45 days, and its impact on air travel was less than anticipated. After September, operations returned to normal, with passengers flying as usual," Mesbah-Ul-Islam, head of sales and marketing at Novo Air, told TBS.

On domestic travel, he noted, "Most local airlines, including NovoAir, reduced their flights, so we need to analyse data from both airports and airlines for a more detailed understanding."

Despite increased demand, airlines have not yet returned to pre-turmoil capacity levels.

The HSIA data also shows a 3.51% increase in domestic travellers, with 76,917 more passengers compared to the previous year. Number of domestic flights decreased by 8,106, while international flights rose by 1,125 during the same period.

Following the political unrest in July, several countries, including India – the largest tourist destination for Bangladeshis – imposed restrictions on visa issuance for Bangladeshis. However, outbound tour operators have reported increased travel to other South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Maldives and Malaysia.

Bangladesh also sent over 1 million migrant workers abroad last year and thousands of migrants return home each year for their annual leave.

In a statement to TBS, Group Captain Kamrul Islam, executive director of HSIA, said, "The current terminal at the airport was designed to accommodate 8 million passengers. However, in 2024, approximately 12.5 million passengers used the airport. We are delighted to provide the highest quality service to all our esteemed passengers."

He further emphasised that passenger services would continue to improve. "Travellers are receiving their luggage on time. In addition, we have ensured various amenities, including a lounge for expatriate workers, affordable food, and drinking water."

Kamrul continued, "We have also launched a one-stop service to facilitate the easy collection of deceased bodies for families. This initiative will continue, and we look forward to further improving passenger services once Terminal 3 opens."

Currently, 42 airlines operate flights from Dhaka.