Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam today said Bogura would be developed into one of the country’s major aviation hubs, aiming to unlock the economic and aviation potential of the northern region.

The minister made the remarks while visiting Bogura Airport along with State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam, said an official handout here. 

Speaking to officials during the on-site visit, Khanam said the government has undertaken the initiative under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to transform Bogura into one of the country’s leading aviation centres by harnessing the vast economic and strategic potential of the northern region.

She said the people of Bogura are fortunate as the government’s large-scale aviation development programme is set to begin from the district.

State Minister Millat said plans have been taken to build an international-standard airport in Bogura with a 10,500-foot runway alongside modern cargo facilities to support transportation of agricultural produce, industrial goods and export commodities from the northern region.

He said the planned infrastructure would significantly boost trade, connectivity and economic activities in the region while strengthening the country’s aviation sector.

As part of the broader development initiative, the government has also taken steps to expand the airport by establishing a pilot training academy and cargo handling facilities, opening a new horizon in communication, commerce and aviation in northern Bangladesh.

Among others, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force Hasan Mahmood Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, senior ministry officials and airport authorities were present during the visit.

Located roughly 7 kilometers northwest of the main city, the site sits within the Erulia Union of Bogura Sadar Upazila; the airport currently functions as a STOL—short takeoff and landing—facility, spread across approximately 109 acres.

Its runway stands at 4,700 feet in length. Work is already underway to extend it to 6,000 feet, the minimum required to accommodate passenger aircraft such as the ATR-72.

Since 2006, the Bangladesh Air Force has primarily used the facility for training.

Experts estimate that the operational airport will bring Bogura within a 15-to-20-minute flight of the capital.