Domestic passenger flight operations began from the newly built terminal of Cox’s Bazar Airport on Monday, marking a major step in the government’s plan to transform the country’s premier tourism gateway into an international airport.
The first trial operations from the new terminal began in the morning, with a Novoair flight carrying around 70 passengers departing for Dhaka at 8:45am. Air Astra and US-Bangla Airlines subsequently operated flights from the new facility around 8:50am.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) had earlier instructed all airport departments and domestic airlines to shift passenger-handling operations to the new terminal from September 28. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair and Air Astra were among the carriers asked to make the necessary preparations.
The new terminal is being put into operation ahead of its formal inauguration, which is expected to take place in October. CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq has said international operations are planned to begin from the airport next month following the launch of domestic services.
New terminal brings modern facilities
The new international passenger terminal has been developed as part of the wider modernisation of Cox’s Bazar Airport. The facility covers about 17,955 square metres and has an estimated annual passenger-handling capacity of around 2 million.
It includes 14 check-in counters, 10 immigration desks, two baggage-claim belts, four escalators, six lifts and modern passenger-handling and security facilities. The terminal has also been equipped with advanced security screening infrastructure.
Airlines have welcomed the move, although some operational issues remain during the initial transition. US-Bangla Airlines officials said the new terminal offers modern facilities long sought by passengers and airlines. Novoair, however, raised concerns over arrangements for sharing check-in counters with other carriers. Airport authorities said the 14 counters would allow airlines to manage their operations without major difficulty.
Runway extended into the sea
The terminal project is part of a broader initiative to upgrade Cox’s Bazar Airport to international standards. One of the most significant components is the extension of the runway from 9,000 feet to 10,700 feet, including around 1,700 feet constructed over the sea.
The extended runway is longer than that of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 777 and Boeing 747 aircraft.
The airport modernisation project was launched under a government master plan in 2018, with the runway expansion formally inaugurated in 2021. The upgraded infrastructure is intended to improve air connectivity with Cox’s Bazar, support the tourism industry and eventually facilitate direct international connectivity.
International flights next
The shift to the new terminal comes as authorities prepare Cox’s Bazar for international flight operations. CAAB officials have indicated that international services are planned to begin in October, following the initial domestic operation and necessary preparations.
The development is expected to strengthen Cox’s Bazar’s position as Bangladesh’s principal tourism gateway by providing improved passenger facilities and creating the infrastructure needed for direct international connectivity.
For now, domestic passengers are the first users of the new facility. The September 28 launch therefore represents not only a terminal shift but also the beginning of the airport’s transition from a predominantly domestic facility toward its planned role as an international aviation gateway.
