The authorities have announced that when the third airport terminal becomes operational, it will be possible to serve an additional 10 million passengers annually. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to inaugurate the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka today. The new terminal will offer a wide range of facilities and passenger services.
The construction work of this terminal, which began on December 30, 2019, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) reports that nearly 90% of the work on this third terminal has been completed, and the terminal’s full operation is expected to commence by the end of the coming year.
The total cost of constructing the terminal is 21,399 crores BDT, with Bangladesh contributing 5,000 crores BDT, while the rest is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The terminal’s architectural design was created by Rohani Baharin, a renowned architect from Singapore’s Changi Airport, known for its excellence and busy nature.
Currently, the country’s main international airport serves between 30,000 to 35,000 passengers daily at its two existing terminals. This translates to approximately 8 million passengers annually. According to the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB), with the commencement of the third terminal, an additional 10 million passengers can be served annually.
The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) mentioned that the new terminal includes multi-story parking facilities with a capacity to accommodate 1,444 vehicles. Moreover, it will have parking spaces for 37 aircraft simultaneously. Additionally, the third terminal will feature 16 baggage belts and four separate belts for heavier baggage. A corridor will connect the new terminal with the existing two terminals.
Passengers using the new terminal will have the convenience of streamlined services. While the current terminal operates using traditional methods, the new terminal will offer more automated and self-service options.
The new terminal building will have 10 automated e-gates at the exit points. Five e-gates will be designated for passengers arriving from foreign countries. Alongside these, there will be 177 check-in counters, 64 outbound immigration desks, and 64 inbound immigration desks. Changes are also coming in the way passengers’ luggage is handled, as baggage screening will be automated using body scanners.
