Bangladesh Plans National Air Connectivity Grid by 2034

Bangladesh is planning a major overhaul of its aviation sector, including a national air connectivity grid, the development of four regional airports as international gateways and the transformation of Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs.

The initiatives, outlined in the FY2026-27 budget, are part of a broader strategy to establish Bangladesh as a leading aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia by 2034, while using improved air connectivity to facilitate trade, tourism, cargo movement and investment.

Under the plan, Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports will be developed as international gateways, creating additional entry points beyond Dhaka. The government also plans to introduce an integrated digital logistics platform to improve cargo handling and coordination across the aviation network.

Airport Network at the Centre

Several infrastructure projects are already underway or being prepared to support the plan.

Terminal facilities at Jashore and Saidpur airports are being expanded, while development work at Cox’s Bazar Airport is nearing completion. The government is also working to enhance runway capacity at Sylhet and Chattogram airports and prepare the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for full-scale operation.

The Third Terminal is expected to significantly increase passenger-handling capacity at the country's principal international gateway and ease pressure on existing facilities.

At HSIA, the government has also introduced a major digital passenger-service upgrade, with free high-speed Wi-Fi covering about 94,000 square metres of the airport.

The broader airport strategy includes modernising passenger services, strengthening cargo-management systems, improving aviation safety and expanding digital services.

Four Regional International Gateways

The proposed development of Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur as international gateways could help distribute international air traffic and provide more direct regional connectivity from different parts of the country.

The four airports are already included in Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh development plans involving terminal expansion, runway improvements and other infrastructure upgrades.

Cox’s Bazar could play a significant role in supporting tourism, while Saidpur and Rajshahi could strengthen connectivity for northern Bangladesh. Jashore could serve as an important gateway to the southwestern region.

Biman Expansion to Support New Routes

The airport expansion programme is being accompanied by fleet expansion at Biman Bangladesh Airlines to increase international passenger and cargo capacity.

Biman signed a US$3.7 billion agreement for 14 Boeing aircraft in April, comprising eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9s and four 737-8s.

On Wednesday, September 23, Biman signed another agreement with Boeing in New York for 11 additional aircraft, comprising five 787-10s and six 737-8s. The latest agreement brings Biman's Boeing order book for the year to 25 aircraft.

The latest deal was signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Biman is also considering a separate acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft — four A350-900s and six A321neos.

If finalised, the proposed Airbus purchase would bring the national carrier's planned acquisitions to 35 aircraft, compared with its current fleet of 19.

The fleet expansion is intended to support new international routes and increase capacity on existing services to major destinations in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia and Europe.

Boeing said the aircraft would support Biman's fleet-modernisation and international-growth strategy, with the 737-8 offering additional range for single-aisle operations and the 787-10 adding capacity to the carrier's Dreamliner fleet.

The aviation development plan also emphasises creating a sustainable and inclusive aviation system through improved passenger services, better facilities for expatriate workers, greater use of renewable energy and development of skilled human resources.

As part of the broader tourism development strategy, the government is also preparing an investment roadmap to attract more tourists and create employment in the tourism sector.

The government expects the aviation and tourism initiatives to attract private investment, create jobs and support economic growth, while increasing the tourism sector's contribution to GDP to 6–7 percent.