Passenger traffic nears twice its capacity at HSIA

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country's main aviation hub, is currently handling nearly twice its intended passenger capacity, leaving airport authorities struggling to maintain expected service standards.

Originally designed to accommodate 8 million passengers annually, the airport handled nearly 12.5 million passengers, both domestic and international, in 2024, compared to 11.7 million in 2023, according to the outgoing executive director of HSIA, Group Captain Kamrul Islam.

He was speaking at an event organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh at the Civil Aviation Authority headquarters in the capital.

The incoming Executive Director of HSIA, Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, was also present at the event.

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Despite political volatility last year, passenger traffic through HSIA rose by around 8 percent, primarily driven by the continued outbound flow of migrant workers.

Authorities expect the situation to improve once the much-anticipated third terminal becomes operational by the end of this year.

With the terminal, the airport will be able to handle more than 20 million passengers annually, leading to smoother operations and improved services. The added capacity will also allow more airlines to operate flights from Dhaka.

Kamrul also highlighted that introducing accountability-based operations significantly improved passenger services at the country's busiest airport.

"We focused on ensuring accountability during my tenure. As a result, over 85 percent of baggage is now delivered to passengers within the standard time, monitored through automated tracking systems," he said.

Kamrul projected that the aviation sector's contribution to Bangladesh's GDP could reach 5–6 percent within the next five years, up from less than 1 percent at present.

Newly appointed Executive Director Group Captain Samad pledged to prioritise international-standard services for both passengers and cargo, with transparency and professionalism.

"An airport is the first impression of a country. It must reflect the highest standards," he said.

The programme was presided over by ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar, while General Secretary Baten Biplob moderated the event.