Participants at a roundtable criticised the inefficiency of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ ground handling at Terminals 1 and 2 at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport, calling for the involvement of international-standard companies to ensure better services.

The discussion titled “Third Terminal of Shahjalal International Airport: Opportunities and Challenges” was held on Monday at a Dhaka hotel, organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB).

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Hasan Arif attended the session. He stated that the government is evaluating Biman’s capacity for ground handling.

“If we identify a lack of capability, alternative arrangements will be made,” he assured.

Key stakeholders discussed operational readiness and concerns over ground handling services as the airport prepares to launch its new terminal.

Mofizur Rahman, secretary general of the Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) and managing director of Novoair Limited, presented the keynote.

He advocated for an open tendering process to break Biman’s monopoly, emphasising that improved competition would enhance service quality and benefit the nation.

The session was presided over by ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar.

Adviser Hasan Arif noted that the third terminal is expected to become operational in another year, with an estimated cost of Tk23,000 crore.

Highlighting concerns about past inefficiencies, he said, “Allegations of corruption will be investigated, and we are committed to reforms.”

Arif emphasised that measures are being taken to address customer complaints about ticketing and service quality, ensuring accountability through transparent oversight.

Mofizur Rahman proposed an open tendering process for ground handling services to break the monopoly currently held by Biman.

“Opening up ground handling services to multiple competent companies will ultimately benefit the nation and improve service quality,” he argued.

While recognising Biman’s role as a national carrier, Rahman stressed that operational decisions should prioritize efficiency over political considerations.

Aviation expert and former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam criticized the lack of foresight in the airport’s planning.

“The third terminal, like its predecessors, suffers from poor planning,” he remarked, pointing out global best practices where no single entity monopolises ground handling.

Foreign airlines operating at Shahjalal Airport voiced their frustrations, noting delays and inefficiencies in Biman’s services.

Representatives from Ethiopian Airlines shared their struggle to obtain ground handling approvals, which took over four months. Similarly, other international airlines pointed out high fees and inadequate service quality compared to global standards.

Air Vice Marshal M Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing airport facilities.

“The launch of the third terminal is a national aspiration, and we are actively working to address existing challenges,” he said.

Participants recommended prioritizing efficiency and transparency in ground handling services, fostering competition to improve service quality, and conducting regular reviews of operational procedures.

Calls for an independent body to oversee ground handling operations were also made, aiming to enhance accountability and customer satisfaction.

The roundtable was attended by Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mahbub Khan, Member (Operations and Planning) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB); Group Captain Kamrul Islam, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport; Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of Bangladesh Monitor; and Imran Asif, CEO of Air Astra.

The discussants also included Suhed Ahmed Chowdhury, Cargo Manager of Qatar Airways; prominent aviation expert Wing Commander ATM Nazrul Islam; Constantinos Gavriel, General Manager of Le Méridien Bangladesh; Syed Yaserul Alam, Airport Service Superintendent of Thai Airways; Shayondev Ghosh, Airport Manager of Air India; Serkan Aken, Station Manager of Turkish Airlines; Kamrul Islam, GM (Public Relations) of US-Bangla Airlines; Kabir Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association; as well as representatives from domestic and international airlines, tour operators, and OTAs.