Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-The government has planned to add one more runway and terminal to the existing infrastructure of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
The new terminal will be four times the size of the existing terminal with 32 boarding bridges.
The driveway of the airport will also be enhanced, enabling the airport to handle four times more air traffic.
Once completed, the new infrastructure will allow the airport to accommodate the landing of about 1,000 flights.
Currently the airport has two terminals and one runway.
With the existing infrastructure, on an average, 6 million passengers use Shahjalal International Airport annually.
Half a million passengers are added to the tally with each passing year.
The airport can handle about 240 flights per day with its two terminals and eight boarding bridges.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is in the process of appointing a suitable consultant for this project.
As soon as the Purchase Committee of the Cabinet approves it, CAAB will finalise appointment of consultant.
After obtaining the feasibility report from the consultant, construction of the terminal and runway is expected to start within one and a half years.
The project is expected to be completed within five years.
Apart from the construction of the additional terminal and runway, the project also envisages carrying out connected works such as increasing immigration desks, enhancing baggage handling capacity etc.
It should be noted that currently the government is engaged in constructing a taxiway and repair and maintain the existing runway, which are on the verge of completion.
Bangladesh government has its eyes set on making the airport in Dhaka akin to the super busy airport of Dubai, which has become a regional hub.
It is expected that by carrying out the proposed construction works, Bangladesh will be able to attract big names in civil aviation, and thereby increase current revenue earnings many fold.
BBN/SS/AD-08May14-9:40pm (BST)
