The transformation of Cox’s Bazar domestic airport into an international airport has reached its final stage.
Operations are set to begin this October with flights on the Cox’s Bazar–Kolkata route, marking a new chapter for the country’s aviation and tourism sector.
On August 7, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) officially wrote to ICAO, seeking to declare Cox’s Bazar an international airport effective October 2.
As part of the initial launch, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate one flight per week on the Cox’s Bazar–Kolkata route, though the exact starting date is yet to be confirmed.
US-Bangla Airlines and several foreign carriers have also expressed interest in operating flights from the airport.
To facilitate international operations, CAAB held a stakeholder meeting on Monday with representatives from police, customs, banks, insurance companies, immigration, and airlines.
The meeting, chaired the CAAB chairman, identified challenges and solutions to ensure smooth operations.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines proposed weekly flights between Cox’s Bazar and Kolkata, while US-Bangla and foreign airlines indicated that they are preparing operational procedures and will update CAAB soon.
Aviation and tourism stakeholders believe that launching international flights from Cox’s Bazar will be a milestone for Bangladesh’s aviation industry and a significant boost for tourism.
With direct international access to the city of the world’s longest sea beach, authorities expect a significant rise in foreign tourist arrivals.
The development will also likely open new opportunities for the local economy, particularly in the hotel, resort, transport, and service industries.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Collected
