Why global ground handlers are eyeing Dhaka airport's third terminal
With passenger numbers rising, industry insiders say the ground handling business has become increasingly attractive to international operators.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has decided to appoint a second ground handling operator alongside Biman for passenger services at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's third terminal, opening one of the country's most lucrative aviation businesses to competition.
Under the plan, airlines operating from the new terminal will be able to choose between Biman and another operator for passenger-related ground handling services. Cargo handling will remain exclusively under Biman.
The move has already attracted interest from several global ground handling firms, including UK-based Menzies Aviation, Türkiye's Çelebi Aviation, UAE-based dnata and Switzerland's Swissport.
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Why are they so eager?
Dhaka airport currently has the capacity to handle around 8 million passengers and 250,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The third terminal, spanning 542,000 square metres, is designed to add capacity for 12 to 16 million passengers and nearly 500,000 tonnes of cargo a year.
With passenger numbers rising, industry insiders say the ground handling business has become increasingly attractive to international operators.
Dhaka airport handled 12.72 million passengers in 2025, up from 12.5 million in 2024 and 11.7 million in 2023, according to airport data. Of the total, 10.31 million were international passengers and 2.411 million domestic.
Former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam said the International Air Transport Association projects Dhaka's passenger traffic could nearly double to 25 million within a decade.
"Most countries operate multiple ground handling agents, creating competition, improving service and allowing airlines to choose providers. Passengers also benefit," he told The Business Standard.
On selecting a foreign ground handler, Wahidul said merit and operational capability should outweigh political considerations.
He added that after shortlisting qualified operators, selection should be made through open competitive bidding to ensure the best financial and technical outcome for Bangladesh.
