The Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) on Wednesday, July 8, launched a free shuttle service for arriving and departing passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to improve connectivity between the airport and nearby transport hubs.

The service, funded by CAAB, was inaugurated by HSIA Executive Director Group Captain S M Ragib Samad, at a ceremony held in front of the airport canopy.

According to a CAAB press release, the shuttle service will operate on three routes: Airport–Airport Bus Stand, Jasimuddin Intersection–Airport Railway Station, and Kawla–Airport. The service will be available free of charge.

CAAB said the initiative has been introduced under the guidance of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the supervision of the CAAB Chairman to provide passengers with safer, easier and more convenient transportation between key access points around the airport.

The authority said the service is expected to particularly benefit elderly passengers, women, children, persons with physical disabilities and travellers carrying heavy luggage.

CAAB also said the shuttle service is intended to reduce dependence on private vehicles, ease traffic congestion in the airport area, promote environmentally friendly transport and improve the overall standard of passenger services.

Speaking at the inauguration, Group Captain Ragib Samad said CAAB has been implementing a series of initiatives to enhance passenger services, improve convenience and ensure international-standard airport facilities at the country's principal international gateway.

He said the free shuttle service would help passengers save time while providing safer and more efficient transportation.

Senior CAAB officials, HSIA officials, stakeholders and members of the media attended the inauguration ceremony.