Ctg airport to reopen 270-tonne cargo hub, plans direct China freight

Infographic: TBS

Highlights:

• Cargo flights to China likely soon after talks with China Eastern Airlines
• Three-phase plan adopted to boost cargo operations
• Cold storage and modern equipment added to cargo facility
• Lack of EDS and RA3 standards limits direct EU exports
• Biman plans cargo expansion in Chattogram after Sylhet launch

Authorities at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram are taking steps to resume full-scale cargo operations amid the government's renewed focus on strengthening air cargo infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted export movement.

As part of this initiative, the airport's previously unused 270-tonne capacity cargo station is being made operational.

Airport officials said the move is aimed at maximising the use of existing facilities and preparing for new export routes, including direct cargo flights to China.

Discussions have already taken place between the Chattogram Airport Director and China Eastern Airlines, with an official announcement expected soon.

An emergency meeting on 21 April brought together customs officials, C&F agents, and other stakeholders to identify and remove operational obstacles. A phased plan has been drawn up to improve capacity in the short, medium, and long term.

The renewed focus comes in the wake of India's recent cancellation of transshipment facilities, which previously allowed goods to be routed through Indian territory. Officials believe this development presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to build self-reliance in air freight.

Airport Director Group Captain Sheikh Abdullah Alamgir said, "India's decision to stop transshipment is positive for our country. Now we will be able to become self-reliant. The Civil Aviation Authority chairman has given us directions, and the ministry is cooperating. Utilising these, we will be able to transport cargo to destinations including Europe within the next few months."

Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades at the airport are also underway. Cold storage facilities, modern cargo handling machines, and advanced technology are being introduced. A master plan is being prepared by a German consulting partner.

Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil, public relations officer of Shah Amanat International Airport, said, "Currently, the cargo station has an allocation of 250 tonnes for import and 20 tonnes for export. Since import cargo flights stopped in 2022, the station has remained largely unused. However, even if two large-sized cargo flights arrive per week now, this station is capable of handling them."

However, stakeholders have pointed out the need to ensure compliance with international cargo standards.

Morshedul Alam, manager of Voyager Aviation — the local agent for Emirates and Etihad — said, "It is not enough to just start cargo flights. Ensuring the Explosives Detection System (EDS) and RA3 standards are essential for international exports. These are currently not available at Chattogram airport. To send goods directly to Europe, these standards must be met."

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is expanding its cargo services across the country.

Shakil Meraj, director of Biman's Cargo Department, said, "We are starting ground handling in Sylhet. On 27 April, the first cargo flight of Gallistair Aviation carrying 60 tonnes of export goods will depart for Spain. Similar activities are being planned for Chattogram."

Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, said that additional manpower and equipment are being deployed until the third terminal is launched. Contact with foreign airlines is ongoing to expand cargo operations from Chattogram.

In the past, cargo flights of Thai Air, Silk Air, Kuwait Air, Etihad, and Emirates operated from Chattogram airport.

Emirates, in particular, served routes such as Dubai–Chattogram–Bangkok and Dubai–Chattogram–Dubai.

However, these operations gradually ceased — Etihad's flights ended in 2020, and Emirates stopped in October 2022. Currently, no import cargo flights operate due to customs-related complications.

Chattogram Customs House Deputy Commissioner Anurupa Deb confirmed that a meeting was held to restart cargo operations. "We will inform higher customs authorities about the issues raised," she said.

Experts believe that with appropriate safety and logistics infrastructure, Chattogram airport has the potential to become the country's second major air cargo hub. This would benefit not only exporters but also the broader economy.

AM Chowdhury Selim, former vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said, "As commercial cargo does not come to Chattogram, we depend on Dhaka. If cargo flights were available here, we would save time and cost.

"Transporting goods to Dhaka takes three to five days, and congestion can delay it further. Since Chattogram is the commercial capital, cargo flights should definitely be introduced. If there are flights to Thailand and Singapore, our costs would be much lower."

Business leaders have long demanded better air freight facilities in Chattogram. The airport is surrounded by major industrial zones, including Chattogram EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, Korean EPZ, and the Mirsarai Economic Zone.

As the number of factories increases, the demand for air cargo is rising sharply. However, due to the lack of direct cargo flights, exporters have had to rely on Dhaka, leading to higher costs and longer lead times.