Bangladesh eyes Turkish partnership to modernise airport ground handling

Bangladesh is exploring closer aviation cooperation with Türkiye as Turkish ground handling company Çelebi Aviation expressed interest in participating in airport ground handling operations in the country.

The matter was discussed during a meeting on Tuesday between representatives of Çelebi Aviation and officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka.

The meeting was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen and ministry secretary Fahmida Akhter.
According to officials, Çelebi Aviation showed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to improve airport service quality through modern ground handling operations.

During the discussion, the Bangladeshi side assured the Turkish company that it would receive priority consideration in the appointment process for future ground handling operators.

Minister Afroza Khanam highlighted the government’s plan to internationalise Cox's Bazar Airport as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Bangladesh’s tourism sector and invited the company to explore potential collaboration at the airport.

State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat also requested Çelebi Aviation to submit a concept paper outlining proposals to improve passenger services and operational efficiency at Bangladeshi airports.

Officials at the meeting expressed optimism about future cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye under Public-Private Partnership initiatives, particularly in aviation infrastructure, tourism development and airport services modernisation.