Highlights:
- Cox’s Bazar airport upgraded with extended runway and new international terminal
- Government spent over Tk4,000 crore to bring it up to global standards
- No airline has yet committed to starting international flights from October
- Carriers worry about weak branding, lack of tourist facilities, and low passenger demand
- Planned tourism parks stalled for nine years, weakening global appeal
- Authorities still hopeful the airport will grow into a regional hub
Huge Investment, But No Flights Yet
After years of development and billions of taka spent, Cox’s Bazar airport is finally ready to operate as an international airport. The runway has been extended, and a brand-new terminal is almost finished. Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has already informed global aviation bodies about its new international status.
But the big problem is—no airline has agreed to start international flights yet. Despite the government’s ambitious plans, airlines remain hesitant because they are not confident that enough international passengers will come.
From Domestic Airstrip to International Hub
Cox’s Bazar airport, originally built during World War II, has been used for domestic flights since independence. For years, it has served thousands of tourists visiting the world’s longest sea beach.
The government, under a massive development plan worth Tk3 lakh crore, decided to upgrade it to an international airport. Along with major projects like the Matarbari deep-sea port and direct rail connectivity, the airport was seen as a “gateway project.” Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina even claimed it could one day serve as a hub like Dubai, where international aircraft stop for refuelling.
What Has Been Upgraded?
The project, costing over Tk4,000 crore, included major upgrades:
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Runway Extension: The runway was extended from 6,775 feet to 9,000 feet and widened to 200 feet. A further extension to 10,700 feet, stretching into the sea, is planned. This would allow large wide-body aircraft to land and take off fully loaded.
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New Terminal: A new international terminal, costing Tk362 crore, is almost ready and expected to open by 30 September. It will be able to handle 1.8 million passengers per year—double the current volume.
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ICAO Standards: Facilities like customs, immigration, quarantine, and modern air traffic systems are being prepared to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements.
Airlines Still Not Convinced
Currently, four Bangladeshi airlines—Biman, US-Bangla, Novoair, and Air Astra—operate domestic flights to Cox’s Bazar. CAAB has held multiple meetings with both local and foreign airlines, but none have committed to international routes.
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US-Bangla Airlines spokesperson Kamrul Islam said they were considering a Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar–Bangkok route but were unsure if there would be enough passengers to make it profitable.
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Biman Bangladesh Airlines said they are still studying the route’s feasibility.
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Foreign Airlines like Air Arabia showed some interest but made no firm decisions.
Airlines argue that without international promotion and better tourist facilities, flights will not attract enough passengers to cover the costs.
Tourism Ecosystem Missing
One of the biggest challenges is that Cox’s Bazar is not promoted internationally as a tourist destination. Airlines say the city lacks enough high-quality hotels, entertainment, and activities for foreign visitors.
Kamrul Islam of US-Bangla remarked:
“Nepal has no beaches, so Cox’s Bazar could be a big attraction for them. The same goes for Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. But it is not being marketed that way.”
Another issue is the lack of progress on planned tourism parks. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) had announced three major parks—Sabrang, Naf, and Sonadia—almost nine years ago. None of them have been completed.
The Stalled Tourism Parks
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Sonadia Eco Tourism Park: Recently scrapped due to environmental concerns.
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Naf Tourism Park: Still on paper, with no visible progress.
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Sabrang Tourism Park: The most advanced, but construction remains incomplete due to missing infrastructure.
Without these parks, foreign tourists have limited reasons to visit beyond the beach.
Authorities Still Hopeful
Despite these challenges, aviation officials remain optimistic.
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CAAB’s Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan said the airport will officially receive international status from 2 October. He expects limited international flights may start in October or later, with more flights possibly added by March.
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Airport Director Golam Mortuza Hasan noted that the airport currently handles 1,500–2,000 passengers daily, rising to 2,500 during peak season. With international flights, the capacity could more than double.
The government is also planning 48-hour visas on arrival to attract more tourists. Officials believe even if operations start modestly, Cox’s Bazar International Airport could grow into a major hub for South Asia in the long run.
Source: TBS
