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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has partially opened the much-awaited third terminal of Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which aims to enhance passenger services and expand air links with other countries, reports bdnews24.com.
Hasina arrived at the airport around 10:20 am on Saturday and set off on a brief tour of the new terminal.
She interacted with officers at the immigration counter and inspected the pre-boarding security scanning area. The premier also walked along the moving walkway to view an image illustrating the third terminal's full operational capacity.
She then visited a photo gallery and the boarding area before officially opening the terminal.
The new terminal will be connected to the elevated expressway, underground railway, and the airport railway station through an underground tunnel, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reports.
"We can say the third terminal is the first milestone to realise Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dream to make Bangladesh an aviation hub," Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, said.
Mafidur said 90 percent of construction work has been completed for the soft opening and from Saturday, airlines would be able to use the new parking bay of the terminal.
New era in aviation: Hasina partially opens Dhaka airport’s third terminal
It may take another year for the terminal to become operational after completion of systems integration and calibration, according to him.
Hajj pilgrims will be able to access the third terminal from the Ashkona Hajj Camp via an underground tunnel.
New era in aviation: Hasina partially opens Dhaka airport’s third terminal
The terminal was also used for two Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights to Kathmandu on Monday and Thursday.
The construction of the terminal began in December 2019. A Japanese firm has been tasked with the ground handling job at the terminal.