Cox’s Bazar airport to begin international flights this month

The government today officially declared Cox's Bazar airport as an international airport. A gazette notification was issued in this regard by the civil aviation ministry.

The airport became Bangladesh's fourth international airport, after Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.

The order came into immediate effect in public interest, the ministry said.

Biman officials said they will start international flight operations from Cox's Bazar later this month on a limited scale.

Full scale operation as an international airport will start following completion of ongoing infrastructure upgrades, CAAB officials said.

Biman General Manager (Public Relations) Boshra Islam said the national flag carrier will operate flights on Cox's Bazar-Kolkata-Cox's Bazar route via Dhaka opening a new chapter in regional connectivity and promotion of tourism.

Initially, Biman will operate one weekly flight, she added.

The declaration of Cox's Bazar as an international airport is a major step toward transforming the district into a global tourism hub.

Launched in 2021, the upgradation project aims to transform Cox's Bazar into a full-fledged international gateway with modern facilities.

A separate runway expansion project, extending the existing 6,775-foot runway to 10,700 feet to accommodate wide-body aircraft, is progressing steadily and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.