Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has pledged to work towards reducing airfares and upgrading Sylhet Osmani International Airport into a fully functional international gateway.

Speaking at a discussion meeting organized by the UK chapter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during her visit to London, the minister said the government was committed to improving air travel services and airport infrastructure.

Addressing concerns over high airfares, Khanam said she would discuss the issue with her team upon returning to Dhaka and explore ways to make ticket prices more affordable for passengers.

"After returning to Dhaka, I will discuss the matter with my team and try to take effective measures to reduce airfares," she said.

On the development of Sylhet Osmani International Airport, the minister said the issue had already been discussed at the cabinet level. She noted that during a recent trip through Sylhet, she personally observed several shortcomings at the airport.

"We will work to transform Sylhet Airport into a proper international airport," Khanam said, adding that the government would also improve passenger facilities. She pledged to install lifts at the airport to enhance convenience for travelers.

The minister also expressed optimism about the long-awaited third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, saying the government aims to make it operational within this year.

"With the sincere efforts of the present government, the project has now reached a satisfactory stage. Once the third terminal becomes operational, passenger suffering will be significantly reduced and service quality will improve further," she said.

She expressed hope that the opening of the third terminal would create significant opportunities for revenue generation in Bangladesh's aviation sector.

The minister also thanked Bangladeshi expatriates for their contribution to the country's economy, particularly through remittance inflows, and acknowledged their role in supporting national development.