Third terminal to partially open Dec 16, fully operational by March-April

Partial operations of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport may begin on December 16. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mr. M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has expressed hope that full operations of the terminal can be launched in phases by March-April of next year.

The Minister expressed this optimism while speaking to journalists on Tuesday (September 8) after inspecting the Third Terminal.

The Minister said the government aims to launch partial operations of the Third Terminal on December 16. After that, its operations will be expanded in phases. They hope the terminal can be fully operational by March-April of next year.

It is expected that once the Third Terminal opens, the current passenger pressure at Shahjalal International Airport will be significantly reduced. Those concerned also believe that the quality of passenger services at the airport will improve as a result.

The Minister also said that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will handle 50 percent of the ground handling responsibilities at the Third Terminal. Necessary instructions have also been given to those concerned to ensure passengers receive their luggage quickly.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that the process for a formal agreement — under which 27 percent of the revenue earned from operating the Third Terminal will be kept in Bangladesh and the remaining portion given to Japan — will begin today.