No need for another airport within 100km, says minister

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said there is no need to build another airport within 100 kilometres, adding that the government has accepted Japan’s conditions regarding the operation of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s existing terminals.

“Building an airport takes 10 to 12 years, and it takes around 15 years in total to make it operational. So, we have accepted Japan’s conditions,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists during a visit to the airport’s Terminal 2 on Wednesday evening (November 4).

He said after the third terminal becomes operational, domestic flights would be shifted to Terminals 1 and 2, even if international flights no longer operate from those terminals.

“There are also cargo, chartered and VVIP flights. Besides, we are considering launching budget airlines, which could also operate from there. So, there will be no problem even if international operations from Terminals 1 and 2 are suspended,” he said.

Asked about the technical fault in the aircraft carrying the prime minister, Millat said VVIP flights naturally receive greater attention and the problem detected in the prime minister’s aircraft was minor.

He said the aircraft had departed Dhaka without any problems, but an issue with its flaps was detected after it returned from Japan.

“We took additional pilots and engineers with us and followed all the required procedures. It took considerable time to fix the problem, but we conducted three trial runs before taking the prime minister on board. There was no such threat to the prime minister’s safety as has been suggested,” he said.

The minister said the government had received the investigation report, which reflected what had actually happened.

He added that the aircraft had flown normally from Dhaka, but engineers raised objections when it was returning from Japan.

“We are concerned about technical faults, and more new aircraft are expected to join the fleet in the future,” he said.

Regarding baggage handling at the airport, Millat said passenger feedback had been very positive, with no major problems reported.

“Most passengers are receiving their luggage within 20 minutes,” he added.