Cox’s Bazar Airport is poised to become Bangladesh’s fourth international entry point, with the commencement of international flights scheduled for July, following the completion of essential immigration and customs facilities.
The decision was confirmed at a coordination meeting chaired by Air Vice-Marshal M Mofidur Rahman Bhuiyan, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), on 21 April.
The meeting brought together representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, immigration police, customs authorities, and members of the Airline Operators Committee.
A senior CAAB official told the national news agency BSS that all preparations are in place to commence short-haul international flights from Cox’s Bazar by July.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has already been instructed to gear up for operations on international routes from the airport.
This milestone forms part of a comprehensive development initiative launched in 2021 to upgrade Cox’s Bazar Airport to international standards.
Key components include runway expansion and the construction of a new terminal, aimed at enabling round-the-clock air traffic.
Officials confirmed that by July, the extension of the runway—an additional 1,700 feet constructed over the Bay of Bengal—will be completed, extending its total length to 10,700 feet (approximately 3.26 kilometres). Once finished, it will be the longest runway in Bangladesh.
The state-of-the-art international terminal is expected to be completed at a later date. In the interim, international flights will be operated from the existing terminal on an ad hoc basis. The new terminal will be capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft of all types.
“We are continuously inspecting the runway, lighting systems, security embankments, and terminal infrastructure to ensure operational readiness,” said CAAB Chairman Bhuiyan.
On 18 April, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus visited the construction site to assess the progress of the airport project.
The government envisions transforming Cox’s Bazar into a premier international tourist destination akin to Bali in Indonesia. Officials from the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) believe improved air connectivity will position the coastal city as a strategic hub for regional tourism.
As part of broader regional development plans, Yunnan province in China has expressed interest in establishing direct air links between Kunming and Chattogram, viewing Cox’s Bazar as a promising destination for Chinese tourists.
Rafeeuzzaman, President of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), welcomed the move, noting that landlocked countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, and China’s Yunnan province could find in Cox’s Bazar their nearest seafront escape.
“Weekend direct flights between Cox’s Bazar and Kathmandu, Thimphu, or Kunming could significantly boost tourist arrivals,” he said. However, he cautioned that the town still lacks the necessary infrastructure and recreational offerings to cater to international visitors.
“To establish Cox’s Bazar as a distinctive global destination,” he said, “the government must invest in tourist-friendly infrastructure and expand entertainment and nightlife options tailored for foreign travellers.”
