Home ›› 06 May 2023 ›› Editorial
The construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka is a remarkable breakthrough for the aviation industry in the country.
The third terminal project’s Phase-1, set to be completed by April 2024, is expected to significantly boost aviation revenue and provide a better experience for passengers.
The current two terminals at HSIA have been struggling to cope with the increasing number of passengers and flights. The addition of the third terminal will increase the airport’s capacity to handle up to 20 million passengers annually, which is a significant jump from the current capacity of 8 million passengers.
This will not only benefit the airline industry but also boost the tourism sector by providing better connectivity and services for international and domestic travellers. A recent report by The Business Post reveals that the New HSIA terminal is set to boost aviation revenue.
About 70 per cent work of the project, which started in December 2019, has already been completed.
According to the annual report of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), their income has almost doubled in the last 10 years. In FY2011-12, CAAB earned Tk 731,05,00,000 and about Tk 1677,64,69,000 in FY2021-22. Over the past decade, CAAB’s annual average growth in revenue has been nearly 15 per cent.
HSIA handles nearly 70 per cent of all domestic and international flights in Bangladesh and plays an important role as a major infrastructure supporting the country’s rapidly growing economic activity.
It is positive to note that, the Dhaka metro rail will be connected with the third terminal and a separate station for that will be built. After landing, passengers will be able to take the metro rail to go to their destinations without even leaving the airport.
People will also be able to go directly to the airport’s departure or exit area via metro rail from any station in Dhaka. This indeed would be highly beneficial for passengers bound for the airport.
The construction of the third terminal will also create job opportunities for local people and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding areas. The new terminal will provide additional facilities such as shopping, dining, and entertainment, which will not only enhance the passenger experience but also contribute to the growth of the retail and hospitality industries.
Furthermore, the new terminal is expected to increase revenue for airlines operating, as they will have access to more gates and facilities. The increased capacity will also attract new airlines to the airport, which will provide more options for travellers and further boost revenue for the aviation industry.
The government has taken a proactive approach towards the development of the aviation industry in recent years, with the construction of new airports and expansion of existing ones. This has helped to improve the connectivity and accessibility of the country and attract more tourists and businesses. The addition of the third terminal at HSIA is yet another step in this direction, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the overall economy of the country.
The construction of the third terminal at HSIA however is a welcome development for the aviation industry in Bangladesh. The increased capacity and improved facilities will not only benefit the airlines but also provide a better experience for passengers and boost revenue for the tourism and retail industries. With continued investment in the aviation sector, Bangladesh has the potential to become a hub for air travel in the region and attract more investment and businesses.
