Five aviation giants vie for HSIA T3 operations

Five leading global airport service providers are competing for scope to operate passenger ground handling services at the Third Terminal (T3) of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), signalling growing international confidence in the country's aviation sector and its ambition to establish Dhaka as a regional aviation hub.

For the first time since the country's independence in 1971, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is preparing to appoint a second passenger ground handling operator, ending Biman Bangladesh Airlines' decades-long monopoly in passenger handling at the country's largest airport.

The move has attracted interest from five globally recognised aviation service companies: Menzies Aviation of the United Kingdom, Swissport of Switzerland, Çelebi Aviation Holding of Türkiye, dnata, part of the Emirates Group in the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore-based SATS.

A senior CAAB official involved in the process said the selected company will provide passenger-related ground services at the Third Terminal, while cargo handling will remain exclusively under Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

"The second operator will handle passenger services only. Cargo operations will continue to be managed by Biman," the official said.

The strong international response is being viewed as a major vote of confidence in Bangladesh's fast-growing aviation market, driven by rising passenger demand, expanding international connectivity and substantial investments in airport infrastructure.

Former CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal (retd) Muhammad Mafidur Rahman said Bangladesh had rarely witnessed simultaneous interest from so many globally established airport operators.

"The interest shown by these international companies reflects Bangladesh's growing importance in regional aviation and demonstrates confidence in the country's long-term aviation prospects," he said.

Diplomatic engagement has further highlighted that interest. Over recent months, ambassadors from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates have separately discussed their respective companies' proposals with Bangladesh's aviation authorities, reflecting the commercial significance attached to the project.

Industry insiders describe the introduction of competition in passenger ground handling as one of the most significant reforms in Bangladesh's aviation sector in decades.

Ground handling includes passenger check-in, baggage processing, aircraft servicing, ramp operations and aircraft turnaround services, all of which directly affect airport efficiency, flight punctuality and passenger experience.

Foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh have long advocated greater competition in ground handling, arguing that international operators would improve service quality, reduce aircraft turnaround time and bring local operations closer to global standards.

Managing Director of Novoair and Secretary General of the Airline Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) Mofizur Rahman welcomed the decision, saying competition would improve operational efficiency.

However, he questioned the decision to keep cargo handling exclusively under Biman Bangladesh Airlines, arguing that international expertise could also strengthen cargo operations.

Aviation entrepreneur and Chairman of TAS Aviation Group K M Mozibul Hoque echoed that view, saying internationally experienced operators could significantly improve operational efficiency, safety compliance and workforce training.

"Ownership can remain with the government, but operations should be entrusted to globally experienced companies that can transfer technology and operational expertise to local professionals," he said.

Former CAAB Chairman Mafidur Rahman also suggested that the Third Terminal's advanced automated Cargo Village would benefit from international operational experience, particularly during its initial years.

Despite the debate over cargo operations, Biman Bangladesh Airlines says it is fully prepared for the Third Terminal.

General Manager (Public Relations) Boshra Islam said the national carrier has procured the necessary ground handling equipment and recruited more than 1,000 additional personnel ahead of the terminal's commissioning.

She said Biman is also working with the Japanese consortium responsible for operating and maintaining the Third Terminal and has yet to receive any formal notification regarding the appointment of a second passenger ground handling operator.

The Third Terminal, one of Bangladesh's largest aviation infrastructure projects, is expected to substantially increase passenger handling capacity and strengthen Dhaka's position as a regional aviation gateway.

Its operation and maintenance will be managed by a Japanese consortium comprising Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei and Narita International Airport Corporation after the final agreement is signed.

Industry analysts believe that attracting some of the world's largest airport service providers marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh's aviation sector and could help improve operational standards, service quality and international competitiveness as the country seeks to position itself as a regional transport hub.