3rd Terminal of DAC Airport is set to open in October 2024
In an eagerly awaited development, the third terminal of Dhaka Airport is nearing completion, poised to revolutionize passenger and cargo handling capabilities. Led by Aviation Dhaka Consortium, the project is on track to conclude physical construction by April 5, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) assuming operational control the following day.
As per CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, the terminal’s system integration, calibration, and testing phases are already complete, paving the way for full functionality by October. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the terminal for partial use on October 7 last year, marking a significant milestone in the Tk 21,300 crore project initiated on December 28, 2019.
Spanning an expansive 542,000 square meters, the third terminal boasts an impressive 230,000 square meters of floor space, equipped with 115 check-in counters, and 66 departure, 59 arrival, and three VIP immigration desks. Once operational, the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity will soar to 24 million, tripling its current capacity, while cargo handling capabilities will witness a substantial increase from 500,000 tonnes.
A preliminary assessment by consultancy firm Nippon Koei indicates a workforce of 6,000 skilled individuals will be required for operations, maintenance, and security. However, due to logistical constraints, full operational capacity may not be achieved immediately, with CAAB and Biman Bangladesh Airlines overseeing initial operations until staffing requirements are met, potentially by early next year.
In a strategic move towards efficient management, CAAB has initiated discussions with a consortium of six Japanese companies to operate and maintain the terminal under a public-private partnership. While formalities may take up to a year to complete, CAAB remains optimistic about signing an agreement by August, with the Japanese consortium assuming operational responsibilities thereafter.
The third terminal’s design emphasizes seamless connectivity, facilitating smooth passenger transit through a multimodal transport system. From elevated expressways to underground railways and dedicated hajj pilgrimage access points, the terminal is primed to accommodate diverse passenger needs, ensuring a holistic and streamlined airport experience.
With the third terminal’s impending inauguration, Dhaka Airport stands poised to redefine air travel standards, elevating the nation’s aviation infrastructure and reinforcing its commitment to unparalleled passenger service and operational excellence.
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