Dhaka: Bangladesh is on the brink of finalizing an agreement with a Japanese consortium to operate the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), with the signing expected by late August or early September, according to Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CAAB chairman disclosed these developments following a workshop held at the CAAB headquarters in Dhaka. The terminal, which is nearing completion, is slated for inauguration on December 16, contingent on the timely resolution of outstanding operational arrangements. The Japanese consortium is set to submit its bid by July 31, after which a decision will be made regarding the agreement.
The anticipation surrounding the terminal's inauguration is bolstered by the government's ongoing negotiations with a consortium that includes Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation, and Narita International Airport Corporation. These talks gained momentum earlier this year following the Japanese side's revised proposal, which addressed key issues such as service charges, operational control, and revenue-sharing.
Currently, the Third Terminal is over 99 percent complete but remains non-operational due to unresolved management issues. Constructed at an estimated cost of Tk 21,398 crore, the project has been largely financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The terminal is designed to accommodate an additional 12 to 16 million passengers annually and handle up to 900,000 tonnes of cargo, easing congestion at HSIA and supporting Bangladesh's ambition to become a regional aviation and logistics hub.
During the workshop titled "Civil Aviation and Air Traffic Operation," Siddiq emphasized the importance of accurate and responsible reporting in the highly specialized civil aviation sector. He also highlighted CAAB's commitment to enhancing journalists' understanding of aviation operations through similar workshops.
On the subject of drone operations, Siddiq noted that CAAB is adopting a stricter stance against unauthorized drone flights in sensitive areas, particularly around airports, urging operators to comply with regulations.
Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, CAAB Member (Operations and Planning), provided an overview of civil aviation during the technical session, stressing the importance of compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for safe and efficient air navigation.
Efforts to facilitate Hajj pilgrims were also highlighted, with initiatives including waivers of embarkation and security fees, distribution of Zamzam water, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Air Commodore Md Noor-e-Alam, CAAB Member (Air Traffic Management), delivered a separate presentation on air traffic operations, covering various aspects such as Air Traffic Control (ATC), communication and navigation systems, and emergency response procedures during flight operations.