The launch of the direct cargo flights from Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport to Europe on April 27, 2025, is an important milestone in Bangladesh’s export infrastructure. The system, which Malta-based Gallistair Infinite Aviation develops under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), will facilitate export procedures, lower costs, and increase the international competitiveness of Bangladeshi goods.The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is set to launch cargo services from two more international airports after the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, following India’s abrupt closure of their transshipment route for Bangladeshi goods.
The CAAB said, “We are opening Sylhet for cargo operations on the 27th of this month, and Chattogram will follow shortly,” Bangladesh is moving towards an alternative route after India stopped the use of its ports and airports for exporting Bangladeshi goods to third countries, known as transshipment.
Background and Infrastructure Development
Historically, exporters from Sylhet faced logistical challenges, depending on Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport or Indian transshipment routes, leading to increased costs and potential delays. To overcome these issues, CAAB invested approximately Tk 30 crore to establish a state-of-the-art cargo complex at Osmani International Airport. An additional Tk 14 crore was allocated for installing explosive detection scanners, ensuring compliance with European Union standards .The cargo complex boasts a handling capacity of about 100 tonnes and is equipped with modern facilities to manage various export goods efficiently. An independent French expert validated the facility, further affirming its readiness for international operations .
Operational Details
The first flight will depart from Sylhet for Spain at 7:00pm with garment products. It will carry about 60 tons of goods. Bangladesh Biman said that the flight will be operated by its own trained manpower with international certifications in compliance with the safety and quality transport rules of the European Union.
The service is initially being launched using the existing infrastructure and equipment of Sylhet Airport. The concerned parties have expressed satisfaction with the warehouse facilities at the export cargo complex at the airport, but they also said that a larger warehouse is needed for the future. Construction work on several private sector warehouses is underway, which could be completed within the next six months. However, Bangladesh Biman authorities believe that it will be a challenge to keep ground services fully operational in the absence of regular cargo flights.
Economic and Strategic Implications
Boosting Export Capacity and Global Market Access
What changes:
- Bangladeshi exporters, especially from Sylhet, can now ship goods directly to European Union and UK markets.
- This opens up smoother access for perishable and time-sensitive goods which previously lost value due to delaysIncreased competitiveness of Bangladeshi products globally.
Result:
- Increased competitiveness of Bangladeshi products globally
- Opportunity to diversify exports beyond garments—into agriculture, leather, handicrafts, and more.
“This marks a major step forward in enabling direct exports from the country’s northeast,” said Kawsar Mahmud, Assistant Director at CAAB. Industry estimates suggest about 18 percent of Bangladesh’s garment air cargo was flown through Indian airports. Bangladesh exported roughly 3,400 tonnes of garments by air per week, with 600 tonnes flown through Indian airports before the transshipment ban, according to data from the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association.
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Lowering Export Costs and Delivery Time
What changes:
- No need to route goods via Dhaka or Indian transshipment hubs.
- Shorter routes mean lower freight costs, less handling, and faster customs clearance.
Result:
- Local businesses, especially SMEs, can now enter international markets more easily.
- Exporters retain more profit, improving reinvestment into local production.
Before, air shipment from Dhaka cost up to $4.50/kg, compared to Indian routes at around $2.90/kg. Sylhet’s direct flights will reduce this cost significantly.The airport cost is driven by the high price of jet fuel, which is about 30 per cent higher in Dhaka than in India. “Jet fuel accounts for 40 per cent of an airline’s operating costs,” according to Biman Bangladesh airlines. “If that’s the reality, then why wouldn’t a businessman prefer Delhi over Dhaka for exporting cargo?” another Biman official said. “The government should seriously look into this,” he added.
Empowering Regional Economies
What changes:
- Sylhet, previously overlooked in terms of export infrastructure, becomes an active hub in international trade.
Result:
- Local industries will expand.
- New jobs will be created in cargo handling, logistics, customs services, and freight forwarding.
- Encourages other regions (e.g., Barisal, Rajshahi) to demand similar upgrades, balancing economic development.
“Cargo export from Sylhet was a longstanding demand,” said CAAB’s chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, during his visit to Osmani Airport.
Strategic Shift in National Export Policy
What changes:
- Reduces overdependence on Dhaka, allowing Bangladesh to decentralize trade logistics.
- Enhances national export resilience during disruptions (e.g., political unrest, natural disasters affecting central hubs).
Result:
- More flexible and robust export strategy.
- Faster response to international demand surges and logistical challenges.
Exporters have long complained about bottlenecks at HSIA. The airport’s cargo village has a maximum capacity of 300 tonnes, but it handles over 800 tonnes daily even in the off-season, and up to 1,200 tonnes during peak periods. Ground handling inefficiencies and mismanagement have plagued the Dhaka airport for years. Shipments have reportedly been left exposed to the elements.
Challenges and Considerations
Infrastructure Limitations: The cargo complex is operational, but there is an acknowledged need for further infrastructure such as larger warehouses, to accommodate future growth. These include the development of several private sector warehouses which are planned for completion within six months.
Regulatory and Certification Hurdles: Exporting perishable items requires a certification from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). All the facilities required to issue such certifications are currently present in Dhaka only which brings a challenge for Sylhet exporters as they need to send their products to Dhaka for those certifications. Local certification labs need to be established for the same purpose to facilitate exports.
Operational Sustainability: Maintaining consistent cargo flight operations will be crucial for the long-term success of this initiative. Ensuring regular flight schedules and addressing any logistical issues promptly will be essential to build trust among exporters and international buyers.
Future Prospects
Following the successful launch in Sylhet, CAAB is set to expand the same cargo service to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram. The move is part of a larger vision to diversify the country’s export base and introduce options beyond a single terminal. Moreover, a new terminal building is under construction at Osmani International Airport, along with a cargo facility, which would also contribute to the airport’s capacity and efficiency.
Conclusion
The initiation of direct cargo flights from from Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport into Europe represents represents a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s modernisation of its export logistics. This development is expected to enhance the country’s global trade footprint and boost regional economic growth by addressing existing bottlenecks and expanding infrastructure, giving exporters more efficient access to international markets. Sustaining this progress will require continued investments and strategic planning.
References: The Financial Express
