The government today proposed an allocation of Tk 1,884 crore for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in the national budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, alongside an ambitious roadmap to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub.

The proposed allocation marks an increase from the revised outlay of Tk 1,300 crore in the outgoing fiscal year, although it is lower than the original allocation of Tk 2,455 crore.

Unveiling the national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury outlined a series of infrastructure, fleet expansion and connectivity initiatives aimed at modernising the country's aviation sector and boosting tourism-driven economic growth.

He said integrated development programmes are being implemented to build a modern, efficient and globally competitive aviation industry.

As part of the initiative, terminal facilities at Jashore and Saidpur airports are being expanded, while the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is set for full-scale operation. 

Runway capacity at Sylhet and Chattogram airports is also being enhanced, alongside the completion of development works at Cox's Bazar Airport.

The finance minister said these projects would significantly increase airport capacity and improve passenger services across the country.

He noted that Wi-Fi network coverage has already been expanded across nearly 94,000 square metres of HSIA to enhance passenger convenience and service quality.

Highlighting Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet modernisation programme, Amir Khosru said the national flag carrier has signed a final agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to procure 14 modern aircraft at an estimated cost of US$3.7 billion, equivalent to Tk 45,408 crore.

"The initiative will expand Biman's fleet, strengthen international connectivity, enhance passenger and cargo transportation capacity and reinforce Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global aviation market," he said.

The minister said the government is simultaneously modernising passenger services, strengthening cargo management systems, improving aviation safety standards and expanding digital services to develop a safer, more efficient and competitive aviation sector.

He expressed optimism that the initiatives would accelerate the growth of the tourism industry and help achieve the target of raising the sector's contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to between six and seven percent.

Looking ahead, Amir Khosru announced plans to establish a national air connectivity grid, develop new international gateways and transform Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs.

He said Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports would also be developed as international gateways, while an integrated digital logistics platform would be introduced to facilitate trade and transportation.

The minister said the government would focus on ensuring hassle-free passenger services, improving facilities for expatriate workers, promoting renewable energy and developing skilled human resources to build a sustainable and inclusive aviation system.

As part of the broader tourism development strategy, he said an investment roadmap is being prepared to attract more tourists, generate substantial employment and stimulate private-sector investment.

"The implementation of these initiatives will create jobs, increase private investment and accelerate economic growth," the finance minister added.