Bangladesh launches work on first integrated civil aviation master plan

Bangladesh has launched work on its first integrated Civil Aviation Master Plan, a comprehensive framework set to guide the nation's aviation sector over the next two to three decades.

The initiative aims to advance airport infrastructure, modernise air navigation services, drive airline growth, strengthen aviation safety, develop skilled human resources, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The initiative was formally inaugurated at a workshop titled "Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview" at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, on Sunday, 21 June, under the leadership of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

Organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the ICAO GOLD-certified Civil Aviation Academy, Bangladesh, under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the workshop marked the official launch of the country's first integrated Civil Aviation Master Plan.

The master plan will set long-term development goals, priorities and strategic directions for Bangladesh's civil aviation sector. It will encompass airport infrastructure development, modernisation of air navigation services, expansion of the airline sector, development of a skilled workforce, enhanced safety and security systems, environmental sustainability, and technology-driven planning aligned with international standards.

Bangladesh currently lacks an integrated national Civil Aviation Master Plan. To guide the sector's long-term development, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has therefore initiated the process, with technical and expert support from the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, Member of Parliament, inaugurated the event as the chief guest.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Member of Parliament, attended as special guest, while Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Fahmida Akhtar attended as guest of honour.

Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, Member (Management and Planning) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech at the opening of the workshop.

Mohamed El Amiri, an expert from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, delivered the keynote presentation, sharing international best practices in civil aviation master planning, planning methodologies, strategic imperatives and the steps required to develop an effective national master plan for Bangladesh.

Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, chaired the event.

Minister Afroza Khanam said the government is working, in line with its "Bangladesh First" election manifesto, to position Bangladesh as a leading aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia by 2034.

She said the government is implementing measures to expand national air connectivity, upgrade major international airports—including the airport in Dhaka—into modern logistics and passenger hubs, and enhance the capacity of both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and private carriers.

She emphasised the importance of developing skilled human resources for the aviation sector, expressing hope that the Civil Aviation Master Plan will reflect the government's long-term vision.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the civil aviation sector is advancing rapidly owing to government-led development initiatives.

He noted that initiatives, including the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, upgrading Cox's Bazar Airport to international status, and constructing new airports, would help transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub.

He added that, alongside infrastructure development, such workshops are key to creating skilled manpower, formulating effective policies and building an aviation system aligned with international standards.

Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq said Bangladesh's civil aviation sector is undergoing rapid development, demonstrated by airport modernisation, increasing passenger and cargo traffic, and expanding international connectivity.

He stressed that integrated, long-term planning is essential to develop Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub. The workshop, he said, will provide valuable guidance on global best practices and future plans, accelerating sustainable growth in aviation, trade, tourism and the broader economy.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Navy, managing directors and chief executive officers of various airlines, aviation experts and other stakeholders attended the workshop.