A second international ground handling operator will be appointed alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) third terminal, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq said today.

“The second operator will be engaged, which will create a competitive environment in ground handling services,” he made the remarks while interacting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the CAAB headquarters.

He added that the Japanese consortium, led by Sumitomo Corporation, would have the prerogative to select the second ground handler in addition to Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

In October 2024, Biman was assigned as the sole ground handling agent at the newly built third terminal for an initial two-year period. The decision followed prolonged discussions under the previous administration, when the possibility of appointing a Japanese firm was considered due to concerns from foreign airlines over the national carrier’s service quality.

However, the interim government allowed Biman another opportunity to demonstrate its capability, albeit for a limited period and under strict performance conditions.

Currently, Biman provides ground handling services not only for its own flights but also for all international airlines operating in Bangladesh, generating annual revenues between Tk1,000 crore and Tk1,200 crore.

Despite this, passengers and stakeholders have frequently criticised its services, particularly baggage handling, for delays and inefficiencies. However, the Dhaka airport authority claims baggage delivery times have improved significantly in recent years.

The CAAB chairman said the agreement with the Japanese consortium for operation and maintenance of the third terminal would fully safeguard Bangladesh’s interests. “The agreement will be fair. We will ensure everything necessary to protect national interest. We have already held nine rounds of negotiations,” he said.

He expressed hope that the deal could be finalised within the next few months, though some gaps remain despite progress in talks.

Regarding the terminal’s opening timeline, Siddiq said signing the agreement would take at least three months after negotiations conclude, followed by a test run lasting six months to one year. “We expect to partially open the third terminal about six months after the test run begins,” he said.

He added that the government has set December 16 as the target date for inauguration and preparations are progressing accordingly.

Addressing concerns over equipment installed at the terminal due to prolonged inactivity, the chairman said contractor ADC had assured regular maintenance until December 2026 and verbally committed support until June 2027.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar, General Secretary Baten Biplob and members of ATJFB and CAAB were present at the event.