Cumilla Airport included in plans for reopening
Strong economy of the Cumilla region and growing demand are key factors behind the decision to reopen the airport
ATT Desk Report 
The government is set to take a major step toward expanding the country's regional aviation network. Plans have been taken to reopen Cumilla Airport, which has remained closed for a long time, and the initiative has already been incorporated into the master plan of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), reports Check In.
The reopening is expected to ease travel to Cumilla and surrounding areas while bringing new momentum to economic activities in the region.
Although no passenger flights have operated from the airport for an extended period, the airport has not been completely inactive. Due to its strategic location along important air routes, the VOR-DME navigational system installed at the airport is used daily to guide approximately 40 to 50 international flights. Through this service alone, the airport generates foreign currency earnings of around Tk 20 to 30 lakh per month.
Experts say to the media that the strong economy of the Cumilla region and growing demand are key factors behind the decision to reopen the airport. Notably, foreign investors, buyers, and officials regularly travel to and from the Cumilla Export Processing Zone (EPZ). For a long time, there have been demands for air connectivity to avoid long road journeys and traffic congestion.
Additionally, the greater Cumilla region is one of the country's most expatriate-populated areas. The need for domestic flights to facilitate travel for expatriates and their families has been discussed for years. Economists believe that reopening the airport will have a positive impact on local trade, commerce, investment, and tourism.
However, several infrastructure development tasks must be completed before full-fledged commercial flights can begin. These include extending the runway length, repairing carpeting, constructing a modern terminal building, and establishing an international-standard fire service station. Additionally, surveys are underway to address technical obstacles caused by some tall structures built near the airport.
According to sources, plans are in place to initially operate domestic flights on small aircraft such as ATR or Dash-8. Later, based on demand and capacity, initiatives will be taken to operate flights on short-distance international routes as well.
