CAAB eyes Dec 16 opening of Dhaka airport’s third terminal

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is working towards opening the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16, marking Victory Day, as preparations advance alongside ongoing negotiations with Japan.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq shared the update during a meeting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum Bangladesh at the CAAB headquarters on Monday, reports BSS.

He said the terminal would be opened in phases following the completion of an operational agreement with Japan and a comprehensive test run. “The agreement will be finalised in a way that fully protects Bangladesh’s interests. We have already held nine rounds of negotiations,” he said.

According to the chairman, both sides have reached consensus on several key issues, although some gaps remain. He expressed optimism that the agreement could be finalised within the next few months.

Responding to a question on the timeline, Siddiq said it would take at least three months to sign the deal after negotiations conclude. This would be followed by a test run lasting between six months and one year. “We aim to make the terminal partially operational about six months after the test run begins,” he added.

He noted that the government has set December 16 as a target date, and work is progressing accordingly.

On regulatory matters, the CAAB chief said the last audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) was conducted in 2018. A preparatory visit by an ICAO team is expected in October this year, while the main audit is likely to take place between mid and late 2027.

He also reiterated that security measures at airports across the country have been strengthened following directives from Police Headquarters.

The meeting was attended by ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar, General Secretary Baten Biplob, and senior CAAB officials.