Cox's Bazar Airport poised to launch int'l flights in July

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is in talks with different airlines about launching direct international flights from Cox's Bazar Airport, which is expected to begin handling international flights this July.

Among the airlines, Air Arabia, a UAE-based airline, has already expressed its interest in operating direct international flights from the airport, said CAAB Chairman Air-Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan.

However, the final destinations of the flights have not yet been determined, added the CAAB chairman, expressing the hope that it will receive a strong response once the runway is approved for international operations.

Once operational, the airport will become Bangladesh's fourth international gateway. The CAAB moves to complete necessary preparations, including immigration and customs facilities, to initiate international flight operations.

The CAAB chairman noted that they are now facing some problems acquiring some land adjacent to the airport. He is optimistic about overcoming the situation with the help of central and local administrations.

A new terminal building is under construction at the airport, but it may not be possible to complete the work before July. In that case, the existing terminal will be used to handle international flights, said the CAAB chairman.

Biman Bangladesh Airline, the sole ground handler of the country's airports, has already been instructed to prepare for launching international routes from the airport. The transformation of Cox's Bazar Airport into an international facility is part of a comprehensive development project launched in 2021.

The project encompasses the extension of the existing runway and the construction of the new terminal building, paving the way for the round-the-clock flight operations.

According to CAAB officials, the runway extension, an additional 1,700 feet built into the Bay of Bengal, will be complete by July, bringing the total runway length to 10,700 feet (3.26 km). Once finished, it will be the longest runway in Bangladesh, they said.

The government's long-term goal is to develop Cox's Bazar into a premier international tourist destination, similar to Bali in Indonesia.

Officials of Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) and other stakeholders of the sector believe that upgraded air connectivity will position the coastal town as a strategic hub for regional tourism.

Shiblul Azam Koreshi, former president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), said, "We expect a significant influx of international tourists in Cox's Bazar with the commencement of international air connectivity. In addition, tourists visiting neighbouring countries may consider extending their trip to include the town."

bikashju@gmail.com