DHAKA, Dec 02, 2024 (BSS) - Stakeholders at a roundtable today urged the government to prioritize operational efficiency and adopt international-standard services for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) third terminal, which is expected to become operational next year.

They highlighted the importance of fostering competition in ground handling services, enhancing transparency, and conducting regular reviews of airport operations to maximize the potential of the newly built terminal.

The discussion, titled “Third Terminal of Shahjalal International Airport: Opportunities and Challenges,” was organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) and held at Le Méridien Dhaka.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser AF Hassan Ariff attended it as the chief guest, while Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M. Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan was present as the special guest. 

ATJFB President Md Tanzim Anwar chaired the discussion and General Secretary Baten Biplob delivered the welcome address.

Representatives of international airlines operating at HSIA expressed concerns about inefficiencies, high costs, and delays in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ ground handling services.

Adviser Ariff assured participants that the government is assessing Biman’s capacity for ground handling. “If deficiencies are identified, alternative arrangements will be made,” he added.
He said that the third terminal, built at an estimated cost of Tk 23,000 crore, is expected to become operational within the next year. 

Highlighting the past inefficiencies, Ariff stated, “Allegations of corruption will be investigated, and we are committed to reforms.”

He also stressed that steps are being taken to address customer complaints about ticketing and service quality through transparent oversight.

CAAB Chairman reaffirmed their dedication to overcoming challenges for the terminal’s smooth operation. 

“The third terminal is a national aspiration. We are working diligently to enhance facilities and operational efficiency,” he said.

Secretary General of the Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) and Managing Director of Novoair Mofizur Rahman delivered the keynote address. He called for an open tendering process for ground handling services.

“Allowing multiple companies to compete will break the existing monopoly, enhance service quality, and benefit the nation,” Rahman emphasized.

The roundtable brought together notable stakeholders, including Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mahbub Khan, Member (Operations and Planning) of CAAB; Group Captain Kamrul Islam, Executive Director of HSIA; Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor, Bangladesh Monitor; Imran Asif, CEO of Air Astra; and Suhed Ahmed Chowdhury, Cargo Manager of Qatar Airways.

Representatives from different foreign airlines including Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, Air India, US-Bangla Airlines, Cathy Pacific airlines and Ethiopian airlines, tour operators and online travel agencies also participated, stressing the urgency of reforms to meet the international standards for the third terminal’s success.