HSIA 3rd terminal nears completion, operations to commence partially in October

The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is all set to embrace an unprecedented expansion as its third terminal is nearing completion.

Sporting a golden-cream-colored ceiling with eye-catching craftsmanship, elegant floor tiles, and reflective blue glass exteriors, the under-construction terminal is a visual treat. 

Local and international engineers, along with an army of workers, are tirelessly working round the clock to meet the inauguration deadline set for October this year, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to preside over the unveiling of this iconic mega project.

As reported by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), 75 percent of the construction work has been accomplished. The terminal is expected to initiate partial operations with a soft launch in October, while full-scale operations are slated for the end of next year, owing to ongoing expansion plans.

“Seventy-five percent progress has been made in the construction of the third terminal. By the time the Prime Minister inaugurates the partial opening in October, 90 percent of the work will be completed,” stated CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman.

Highlighting the relentless efforts of the workforce, the CAAB Chairman added, “Every day 10,000 to 12,000 workers are working in three shifts amid rain and heat to keep the pace of the work fast.”

Designed by the renowned architect Rohani Baharin, the third terminal has taken inspiration from Singapore's Changi Airport.

The construction is being executed by a consortium called Aviation Consortium Dhaka, which includes Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation and Fujita Corporation, as well as South Korea-based Samsung C&T Corporation.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, HSIA currently handles around 120-130 daily flights from over 30 airlines, serving 19,000 to 21,000 passengers through Terminals 1 and 2.

The upcoming third terminal is set to boost the airport's capacity by two and a half times. Currently accommodating approximately 8 million passengers annually, the new terminal will add capacity for an additional 12 million passengers.

The cargo handling capacity is also set to increase from two lakh tonnes to five lakh tonnes. Additionally, the third terminal will include two buildings for the import and export of goods and a multilevel car park for around 1,350 vehicles.

Spanning 542,000 square meters, the terminal will boast 230,000 square meters of floor space. It will feature 177 check-in counters and 128 immigration desks. Moreover, it will include 26 boarding bridges, with 12 operational in the initial phase, and 36 aircraft parking bays, a significant upgrade from the current capacity of 12.

Efficiency is also a focus, with 115 check-in counters including 15 self-service kiosks, 10 automatic passport control counters, and 16 baggage belts to streamline passenger processing.

To facilitate passenger comfort, several straight escalators will be installed to assist passengers in moving efficiently throughout the airport. The terminal will also include baby care lounges equipped with breastfeeding booths and family bathrooms, children’s play areas with sleeper cradles, health inspection facilities, a first-aid room, and a disease testing center with an isolation area.

An underground tunnel and flyover connected to the Metro Rail and Dhaka Elevated Expressway will be integrated into the terminal, ensuring seamless connectivity. The terminal will also be equipped with an international standard modern fire-fighting system.

The third terminal project was given a green signal by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on October 24, 2017, and its construction was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 28, 2019.

Initially estimated to cost Tk13,610 crore, the budget has escalated to Tk21,398 crore. The government will contribute Tk5,000 crore, while the remainder will be financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency as a loan.

The completion of the third terminal is expected to mark a transformative chapter in Bangladesh's aviation industry, catering to the burgeoning passenger demand and boosting the country’s international connectivity and trade.