Detailed feasibility study before reopening closed airports: Minister
In line with the election manifesto, there is a plan to gradually build a national network by connecting divisional and district towns through the development of small airports and airstrips
ATT Desk Report 
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has said the government has taken an initiative to carry out detailed feasibility studies to assess the possibility of reopening closed and underused airports in the country. The aim is to strengthen domestic air connectivity and ensure balanced regional development.
She came up with the information on Wednesday in the Jatiya Sangsad in reply to a starred question placed on the table by ruling party MP SM Jahangir Hossain from Dhaka-18 constituency.
The minister said that Bangladesh currently has a total of 17 airports, including international and domestic airports, navigation service facilities, Bangladesh Air Force bases and older short take-off and landing (STOL) airstrips.
She further said that three international airports—Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka), Shah Amanat International Airport (Chattogram) and Osmani International Airport (Sylhet)—operate both international and domestic flights. In addition, Saidpur, Shah Makhdum (Rajshahi), Jashore, Barishal and Cox’s Bazar airports operate only domestic flights.
Regarding older infrastructure, she said six STOL airports built during the Second World War—Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Ishwardi, Shamshernagar, Cumilla and Patuakhali—are currently closed or underused. However, although there are no commercial flights at Cumilla Airport, it is providing navigation services to foreign aircraft.
The minister also said that Tejgaon Airport in Dhaka does not provide passenger services and is currently operated by the Bangladesh Air Force.
On future plans, she said that in line with the election manifesto, there is a plan to gradually build a national network by connecting divisional and district towns through the development of small airports and airstrips.
She said that, in response to public demand, steps have already been taken to assess the feasibility of reopening closed airports through local consultancy firms.
As part of this initiative, the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has been assigned to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of Bogura Airport.
The minister expressed hope that, if implemented, the initiative would improve the country’s domestic transport system, boost economic activities and bring balanced regional development.
