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The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MoCAT) has suspended all scheduled and non-scheduled international flights at Cox's Bazar Airport following a government directive.
In a notification issued on Monday, the ministry said international flight operations at the airport will remain suspended until further notice. It also instructed that the facility not be used for non-scheduled flights or emergency landings during this period.
Authorities concerned have been asked to take necessary measures to enforce the directive.
The decision came just 16 days after Cox's Bazar Airport was officially recognised as an international airport.
On October 12, the government issued a notification granting Cox's Bazar the status of the country's fourth international airport.
Officials said the suspension was prompted by the fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka on October 18, less than a week after the Cox's Bazar announcement.
The government reportedly does not want to take further operational risks until adequate safety measures and infrastructure readiness are ensured.
The project to upgrade the airport in the coastal resort town to international standards began in 2021 under the Awami League government, as part of a broader plan to attract foreign tourists and develop Cox's Bazar as a global destination.
Despite a change in government, construction at the airport has continued without interruption.
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