UK eyes ground handling role at Dhaka airport’s 3rd terminal

The United Kingdom has shown interest in joining ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, indicating growing cooperation prospects in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The matter came up during a courtesy meeting between UK High Commissioner Sarah Cooke and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita at the ministry this afternoon (24 March), reads a press release. 

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through enhanced collaboration in the civil aviation sector.

During the meeting, the UK envoy conveyed interest in taking part in ground handling services at the airport’s newly built third terminal. She also reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s ambition of becoming a regional aviation hub.

The Bangladeshi side, in turn, sought increased UK cooperation in developing aviation infrastructure and services, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships to improve efficiency and connectivity.

The third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is expected to substantially expand passenger and cargo handling capacity, boosting the country’s position in regional aviation.

At present, Biman Bangladesh Airlines remains the sole provider of ground handling services at all airports across the country.

A negotiation is ongoing with a Japanese consortium regarding the operational duty of the third terminal.