HSIA Third Terminal Eyes Dec 16 Soft Launch

Bangla Press Desk:  The soft opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is expected to take place on December 16 this year.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Tuesday, after physically inspecting the project site, that full operations of the terminal are expected to begin in March-April next year.

He said the government has successfully renegotiated the revenue-sharing model with the project's Japanese consortium. Under the revised agreement, Bangladesh’s revenue share has been increased to 27 per cent, up significantly from the previously negotiated 15 per cent. The Japanese partner will receive the remaining 73 per cent.

Briefing reporters after the inspection, Minister Millat criticized the previous administration for premature actions regarding the infrastructure. He stated that while the terminal building was inaugurated under the past government, no practical initiatives had been undertaken to make it functional.

“Crucial machinery had not been installed, and there was a complete lack of a specific operational plan," the minister remarked, emphasizing that the interim administration is now actively working to streamline the terminal's activation.

He added that while the soft opening is planned for Victory Day, making the entire facility fully operational will require some more months.

In a bid to enhance passenger experience and dismantle monopolies, the minister announced that a second ground handling agent will be appointed to operate alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Service standards at the new terminal will be strictly monitored using specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Addressing current efficiency levels, Millat noted that the first baggage is currently being delivered to passengers within 18 minutes of landing, and active efforts are underway to reduce this wait time further.

Initiatives are also being taken to increase the terminal's overall aircraft landing capacity.

The minister issued directives to the officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and the Japanese consortium on-site to ensure swift implementation.

The inspection team included State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Finance and Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, MP, and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director Kaizer Sohail Ahmed, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, were also present during the visit.