Dhaka, Aug 29 (V7N): The construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka is progressing well, with completion expected by October 2024, and flight operations set to commence in early 2025, according to officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

CAAB has confirmed that the construction is in its final stages, with plans to take over the terminal from the contractor in October. The scheduling of flights from the new terminal is expected to begin early next year. After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, concerns were raised about meeting the deadline. However, the interim government quickly stabilized the construction process.

The terminal's striking design has attracted significant attention, with finishing touches being applied both inside and outside the facility. CAAB Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, recently inspected the progress and instructed the project team to ensure timely completion with high standards of work.

"Approximately 98% of the work on the third terminal has already been completed, and the overall progress is satisfactory," said Air Vice Marshal Monjur. "We expect all work to be completed by October, and after taking over the terminal, we will prepare for the launch of flight operations."

Consultancy firm Nippon Koei has estimated that around 6,000 skilled workers will be needed for the terminal's operation, maintenance, and security, with nearly 4,000 required for security alone. However, recruiting the necessary workforce may take a few months, meaning the terminal may not be fully operational immediately. Initially, CAAB and Biman Bangladesh Airlines will manage the terminal, with full operations likely beginning in February 2025.

Once operational, the third terminal will increase the airport's passenger handling capacity by an additional 12 million passengers annually. The existing terminals manage between 120 to 130 flights of more than 30 airlines daily, serving around 20,000 passengers, equivalent to approximately 8 million passengers per year.

The new terminal will add 230,000 square meters of space, featuring 115 check-in counters, 66 departure and 59 arrival immigration desks, and three VIP immigration desks. It will also include 27 baggage screening machines, 40 security scanners, 12 boarding bridges, 16 carousels, and 11 body scanners.

Launched in 2017, the construction project began on December 28, 2019, with an estimated cost of Tk 21,398 crore. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing Tk 16,141 crore as a loan, with the remaining funds from the Bangladesh government. The construction is being carried out by Japan’s Mitsubishi and Fujita and South Korea’s Samsung.

CAAB officials noted that the terminal will accommodate 37 aircraft simultaneously and feature two high-speed taxiways to reduce runway waiting times. Two buildings have been constructed for import and export cargo operations. A three-story parking facility for 1,350 vehicles is also nearing completion. Initially, 12 out of the 26 boarding bridges will be operational, with 15 self-service check-in counters and 10 automated passport control counters available for departing passengers.

The terminal has been designed to ensure smooth entry and exit for passengers, with connections to the elevated expressway and airport railway station via a tunnel. Hajj pilgrims will have a dedicated tunnel from the Ashkona Hajj Camp to the terminal.

Last year, on October 7, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina partially inaugurated the terminal as part of her government's development efforts ahead of the national elections. At that time, the government announced that flights would operate from the terminal by October 2024.

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