Govt eyes reopening northern airports to spur growth, exports

The government has moved to gradually reopen several closed domestic airports in northern Bangladesh, aiming to unlock regional economic potential through improved connectivity and faster logistics.

Top priority has been given to Bogura Airport, followed by Ishwardi, Thakurgaon and Lalmonirhat, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), reports TBS. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the initiative is being taken on a priority basis.

The plan aligns with the economic agenda of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which places emphasis on reducing regional disparities through industrialisation in the north.

Recent high-level discussions have also focused on attracting agro-based industries to the region, known for its surplus production of crops, fruits and dairy.

Officials say improved air connectivity could give a boost to exports, particularly perishable goods. Economic planners have also pointed to niche opportunities such as off-season tulip exports to Europe.

At the same time, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority is planning new export processing zones in Rangpur and Sirajganj, alongside several economic zones already approved or under development across northern districts.

Idle infrastructure, fresh push

Out of Bangladesh’s 12 airports, six have remained inactive for years—four of them in the north. Many were built during the British era and have since seen limited use.

CAAB has begun preliminary assessments, with plans to appoint consultants to evaluate infrastructure needs, demand, land acquisition and costs. An official said the effort is still in its early stages, with feasibility studies yet to be finalised.

Bogura Airport is at the centre of the initial push. Despite being built to international standards, it has long remained unused. A new proposal includes acquiring additional land to support its reopening.

Industry sees opportunity

Business leaders say reopening airports—particularly in Bogura—could be a game changer for the region’s industrial landscape by cutting travel time to Dhaka from up to 10 hours by road to just one or two hours by air.

Northern districts already host growing industries, including light engineering, agro-processing and textiles. The Ishwardi Export Processing Zone has gained international recognition, while more industrial zones are planned near the Jamuna Bridge and in Kurigram.

Airlines have also expressed interest. Smaller aircraft could operate short-haul routes such as Dhaka–Bogura or Dhaka–Thakurgaon with modest passenger demand, making services commercially viable.

Challenges remain

Experts caution that reopening airports must be guided by clear commercial and strategic assessments. Former CAAB chairman M Mafidur Rahman said infrastructure alone is not enough—sustainable utilisation must be prioritised to avoid financial losses.

He added that while some airports may serve strategic purposes, only those with viable passenger or cargo demand should be given the green light.

Still, officials and businesses agree that, if done right, reopening northern airports could play a key role in boosting exports, attracting investment and reshaping the region’s economic future.