UAE's dnata eyes ground handling at Dhaka airport's third terminal
Firms from the UK and Türkiye had also expressed interest in providing ground handling services at the third terminal.
dnata, a UAE-based air and travel services company, has expressed interest in operating ground handling services at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, according to a ministry press release.
The issue was discussed today (21 May) during a courtesy meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Abdulla Alhmoudi at the ministry office in Dhaka.
The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and the UAE, particularly in the aviation and tourism sectors.
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During the discussions, the UAE envoy informed the ministers about dnata's interest in joining ground handling operations at the airport's upcoming third terminal.
Representatives highlighted dnata's extensive global experience in aviation services, noting that the company currently operates across 35 countries and provides services at around 174 airports worldwide.
Officials said dnata's integrated and technology-driven ground handling solutions could significantly improve operational efficiency, service quality, safety standards and passenger experience at Bangladesh's largest international gateway, UAE embassy sources said.
Responding to the proposal, State Minister Rashiduzzaman informed the ambassador about the ongoing preparations for the terminal's launch. He added that the government would take an appropriate decision on ground handling arrangements once the ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) process is fully initiated.
The minister also reiterated the government's commitment to improving airport services and ensuring a better passenger experience through necessary operational measures.
The UAE ambassador, meanwhile, expressed his country's willingness to work closely with Bangladesh's current government in strengthening cooperation in aviation and tourism.
dnata is a global provider of ground handling, cargo, catering, travel and retail services operating at airports around the world.
The company is wholly owned by the Government of Dubai and operates as a major subsidiary of The Emirates Group. The group is controlled by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the Dubai government's principal investment arm.
According to the company's website, dnata currently provides ground handling services in 14 countries across 88 airports, including in the UAE, the UK, the US, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Pakistan, Singapore and Switzerland.
Its operations include major airports such as Dubai airport, Heathrow Airport, John F Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport.
Earlier, firms from the UK and Türkiye had also expressed interest in providing ground handling services at the third terminal.
