Bangla Press Desk: The Japanese consortium set to manage the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has proposed four companies to handle ground handling operations. This initiative aims to introduce competition to the ground handling sector, which has historically been dominated exclusively by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The proposed list includes Switzerland’s Swissport, Turkey’s Çelebi Aviation Holding, UAE-based dnata, and UK-based Menzies Aviation.
The Japanese consortium has already submitted the list to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), seeking security clearance for these four companies. Once security clearance is obtained, the consortium will select one of the four proposed companies as the ground handling operator. Subsequently, CAAB will issue a ground handling license to the selected company.
Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mahbub Khan, Member (Operations and Planning) of CAAB, stated that the names of the companies have been submitted. A vetting process will be conducted to determine if there are any security, regulatory, or other objections against these companies regarding operations at Bangladesh's primary international airport. With the appointment of a new operator, another company will work alongside Biman in handling passengers at the third terminal; however, the responsibility for cargo handling will remain with Biman.
According to available information, ground handling encompasses aircraft servicing, passenger and baggage management, check-in, ramp operations, and ensuring rapid aircraft turnaround. The quality of passenger service, flight punctuality, and the overall passenger experience depend directly on the efficiency of these operations.
According to aviation sector analysts, the selection of a ground handling operator for the third terminal extends beyond the mere appointment of a new service provider. This decision is a crucial component of the challenge Bangladesh faces in ensuring international-standard operational management following the completion of construction work. Key indicators for assessing service quality will include baggage retrieval times for passengers, the speed of check-in processes, the provision of assistance, and the capability to manage situations during flight disruptions.
There are significant differences in the scope of global operations, workforce size, and operational capacity among the four companies shortlisted for clearance by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB). Comparative data indicates that Switzerland’s Swissport operates at 310 airports across approximately 44 to 49 countries. The company employs around 43,000 people and is involved in handling approximately 4 million flights annually. Swissport also possesses substantial cargo-handling capabilities, managing about 6.2 million tonnes of cargo per year. The UAE-based dnata operates at 146 airports or facilities across 35 countries and employs over 55,000 people. Annually, the company handles aircraft turnaround operations for more than 888,000 flights and manages approximately 3.2 million tonnes of cargo. Turkey’s Çelebi Aviation Holding operates at over 60 airports across five countries, with a workforce of around 9,000; however, these figures regarding operational scope and capacity may stem from different time periods.
Meanwhile, the UK-based Menzies Aviation reportedly operates at 347 airports across 65 countries. The company employs over 65,000 people and has the capacity to provide ground services for approximately 5.3 million flights annually.
However, alongside its global operations, questions have previously been raised regarding the quality of Menzies Aviation's services. In 2022, the company faced severe criticism following a chaotic baggage-handling incident at Edinburgh Airport in the UK. The British media outlet *The Scotsman* published reports highlighting issues such as thousands of passengers' luggage being stranded, a failure to communicate effectively with passengers, and a lack of proper resolution for complaints. Additionally, Menzies Aviation holds a rating of 1.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot, an international customer review platform. Some passengers have reported negative experiences regarding staff behavior, delays in receiving luggage, and the quality of customer service. However, online reviews are not the definitive measure of overall service quality.
Furthermore, according to data from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), a court ordered Menzies Aviation Limited to pay a fine of NZD 150,000 in 2025 for violating biosecurity regulations. The court ruling highlighted issues such as the improper packaging of six imported cargo shipments and deficiencies regarding hygiene and necessary equipment in the inspection area at Auckland Airport.
According to aviation experts, selecting a ground handler for the Third Terminal requires looking beyond just global network reach or workforce size. Instead, priority should be given to measurable indicators such as safety management, luggage delivery times, aircraft turnaround efficiency, passenger service quality, and the capacity to handle irregularities or operational disruptions.
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