Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's long-awaited third terminal could have begun operations by October 2024, but a combination of failed negotiations, leadership changes and a lack of coordination among key stakeholders delayed the project, according to former Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Muhammad Mafidur Rahman.

The Tk 22,000 crore terminal was completed on January 2, 2024. Although initially targeted for operation in late 2024, it remains non-operational more than two years later. The government is now aiming to open the facility by December this year after resuming negotiations with a Japanese consortium expected to manage key commercial operations at the terminal.

Speaking to Aviation Express, Mafidur Rahman said the project was progressing according to schedule before his retirement on June 30, 2024.

"After the soft opening in October 2023, we had planned to make the terminal operational within a year. The preparations were moving accordingly and it was possible to commence operations by October 2024," he said.

According to him, the project's momentum was disrupted following the political upheaval of August 2024 and subsequent changes in leadership within CAAB and the project management structure.

He said the chairman, chief engineer and project director associated with the terminal project were all replaced within a short period, affecting continuity and decision-making.

However, Mafidur Rahman identified failed negotiations with the Japanese consortium as one of the principal reasons behind the delay.

"The biggest failure was in the negotiations," he said, arguing that officials involved in the discussions during the interim government's tenure lacked detailed knowledge of the project.

He said those conducting negotiations should have included individuals directly involved in the terminal's development and operational planning.

"Without their participation, the negotiations failed, and we are now bearing the consequences," he said.

The former CAAB chairman also criticised the decision to halt progress while reviewing the project, saying investigations were necessary for transparency but should not have stopped operational preparations.

According to him, the delays have created a double financial burden. Bangladesh has already begun facing loan repayment obligations linked to the project while also being exposed to additional claims and costs arising from prolonged delays.

Mafidur Rahman warned that differing views among CAAB, the ministry and political leadership continue to pose risks to the terminal's timely launch

He also urged authorities to establish a clear policy on ground handling operations and commercial partnerships, arguing that uncertainty over operational responsibilities could create further complications.

"The project needs continuity, experienced leadership and coordinated decision-making," he said. "Without that, there is always a risk of further delays."