The Bangladeshi government is taking significant steps to reshape its aviation industry, aiming to establish the country as a major regional aviation hub. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat highlighted initiatives to modernize infrastructure, amend outdated regulations, and foster private sector involvement to enhance international connectivity.
At a recent policy conclave, the minister discussed ongoing amendments to civil aviation rules and plans to increase airport capacity through new and expanded facilities. He emphasized the importance of a safe, efficient, and investment-friendly environment, with measures such as establishing an international-standard MRO facility and appointing additional ground handling services to improve passenger experience and operational safety.
State Minister Humayun Kabir supported these efforts, underscoring the need for developing airport infrastructure, expanding the aircraft fleet, and establishing skill training centers to bolster the sector’s capacity. He also noted that the upcoming Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, expected to handle up to 12 million passengers annually, is nearing completion, heralding a new era of capacity and connectivity.
Officials and industry leaders discussed the opportunities for Bangladesh to transform its airports into international transit centers, similar to Dubai, and to strengthen regional links with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. They also emphasized the importance of fostering private sector investment and ensuring policy environments are conducive to growth.
Experts noted that while the sector currently contributes less than 1% to the national GDP, there is significant potential to grow the market from its current valuation of around $6 billion to $15 billion through strategic development and policy reforms, which would increase earnings and create more jobs. Industry representatives called for a level playing field for domestic carriers to compete internationally, potentially attracting more foreign airlines and passengers to Bangladesh.
