The third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka is scheduled for a soft opening on October 7. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali announced the date after inspecting the project’s progress.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the construction speed and quality, noting that the new terminal will significantly enhance passenger services and help establish Bangladesh as a major aviation hub in the region. He was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), during the inspection on April 18.
Project Progress and Timeline
According to CAAB Chairman M Mafidur Rahman, nearly 90 percent of the construction work on the new terminal has been completed. While the soft opening is planned for October 7, he clarified that it will take until the end of 2024 for the terminal to become fully operational.
The construction of the project, which is a major component of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s development initiatives, began in December 2019. The project aims to address the growing demand for air travel and modernize the country’s primary international gateway.
Capacity and Modern Facilities
The new terminal is designed to handle 12 million passengers annually, a significant increase from the airport’s current capacity of 8 million. This expansion is crucial for accommodating the rising number of domestic and international travelers.
Upon completion, the state-of-the-art terminal will feature 12 boarding bridges, 12 conveyor belts, 16 baggage belts, 115 check-in counters, and 59 immigration desks. The entire terminal facility will cover an area of 230,000 square meters, providing passengers with modern amenities and a superior travel experience.
Funding and Development
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project on October 24, 2017, with an estimated cost of Tk 21,399.06 crore. The article also mentions the cost as Tk 21,300 crore.
Of the total project cost, the government of Bangladesh will provide Tk 5,000 crore, with the remainder being financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Key Points
- Soft opening date: October 7
- Project completion status: Nearly 90%
- Full operation expected by: End of 2024
- Total project cost: Tk 21,300 crore (also stated as Tk 21,399.06 crore in the ECNEC approval)
- Government of Bangladesh funding: Tk 5,000 crore
- Construction start date: December 2019
- New annual passenger capacity: 12 million
- Current annual passenger capacity: 8 million
- Terminal area: 230,000 square meters
- Boarding bridges: 12
- Conveyor belts: 12
- Baggage belts: 16
- Check-in counters: 115
- Immigration desks: 59
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