The interim government has fast-tracked plans to turn Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international airport by July 2025. All related agencies have been asked to coordinate and prepare for launching international flights. The aim is to make Cox’s Bazar a major regional hub for flights and refuelling in South Asia.
Meetings Held to Ensure Readiness
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) recently held a meeting with customs, immigration, ground staff, and other teams to check if the airport can operate international flights using the existing terminal. Officials plan to start flights by the last week of July.
Temporary Use of Current Terminal if Needed
Authorities hope to finish the new international terminal building by July. But if it is not ready in time, some domestic flights may be paused, and limited international flights will run from the current domestic terminal.
For this, approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is still pending.
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Major Development Work Already Done
Around 85% of the airport’s upgrade is complete. Under the first phase of the development project:
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The runway was extended from 6,775 feet to 9,000 feet and will soon be further extended to 10,700 feet.
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The runway width was increased from 127 to 200 feet.
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The extension toward the sea will allow wide-body aircraft to safely land and take off with full load.
New Terminal, Apron & Modern Features
A new 17,955 square-meter international terminal is close to completion. The airport also has:
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A new apron for parking more aircraft
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Advanced systems being installed, like:
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Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL)
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Instrument Landing System (ILS)
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Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
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Doppler VHF Omni-Range (DVOR)
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Flight Info Display System (FIDS)
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Public Address (PA) systems
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Firefighting vehicles are also being added to meet international safety standards.
Plans for Full Airport Transformation
An international consultancy has been hired to study how to fully modernize the airport. Future upgrades will include:
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A modern passenger terminal
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A cargo complex
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A parallel taxiway
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A larger apron
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A dedicated refuelling system
Current Operations & Airlines Interested
Right now, 19 domestic flights operate between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar daily:
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Biman Bangladesh Airlines – 4 flights
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US-Bangla Airlines – 7 flights
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Novoair – 3 flights
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Air Astra – 5 flights
Middle East-based Air Arabia plans to start one weekly international flight from Cox’s Bazar. They already operate flights from Dhaka and Chattogram to Sharjah.
A senior Air Arabia official said they are eager to launch the first international flight from Cox’s Bazar.
Runway Ready for International Use
Project Director Yunus Bhuiyan confirmed that the runway is fully ready for international operations. He said flights can start using the existing terminal and airlines have already been told to prepare their ground services.
Final Push to Meet July Deadline
Airport Director Golam Mortoza Hossain said the chief adviser recently visited the airport and ordered that all work must be finished by July.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan added that international flights will be formally announced in July, and flight schedules will be finalized by the last week of the month.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
