Talks Begin with Japanese Consortium to Operate Third Terminal

Formal discussions with a Japanese consortium have begun with the aim of signing an agreement to operate the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the terminal on Tuesday, he said discussions between Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) officials and the consortium began that day.

The government had set a target to partially open the terminal by December 16, the minister said. He added that the government remained committed to starting partial operations on the scheduled date. Initially, around 20 flights will operate from the terminal, with the number gradually increasing as operational capacity expands.

He said 57 percent of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process had been completed, while the remaining 43 percent would be completed by the consortium and other relevant agencies.

The minister said full operations could take another three to five months after the partial opening, with full-scale operations expected by March or April next year. Customs will install the necessary scanners, while immigration facilities under the Ministry of Home Affairs will be introduced in phases.

He said the previous government had conducted a “soft opening” of the terminal, but equipment installation, ORAT activities and other necessary preparations had not been completed. These stalled activities resumed after the current government took office, along with discussions with the Japanese consortium.

After several rounds of negotiations, Bangladesh’s proposed share of revenue from the terminal’s operation was increased from 15 percent to 27 percent, he said. The additional revenue will help repay loans taken for the terminal’s construction.

CAAB has already repaid around Tk 1,100 crore from its other revenues and will have to repay another Tk 900 crore in December, the minister said. He stressed that the third terminal should be opened without further delay as existing aviation revenues are being used to repay the loans.

Regarding ground handling, he said the division of responsibilities between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the foreign operator would be determined through discussions. He also stressed the need to train Biman personnel and involve them in terminal operations.

The operating consortium will have to deliver passengers’ baggage within 15 to 40 minutes, he said. CAAB will be able to impose fines if the deadline is not met.

The minister said the equipment installed at the terminal was being tested daily and was found to be in good condition during the inspection.

Once fully operational, the third terminal will increase the airport’s capacity by nearly four times and eventually allow 200 to 250 flights to operate there, he said. Calling an international airport “a mirror of a country,” the minister said the terminal would help project a modern and investment-friendly image of Bangladesh to foreigners.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, and senior officials of CAAB and Biman Bangladesh Airlines were present during the inspection.