B Mirror Report: A second ground handling operator will be appointed alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to introduce competition and improve service quality in the sector, said Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq today.
He made the remarks while speaking at an interaction with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB).
He said the second operator will be engaged to create a competitive environment in ground handling services. The selection of the second handler will be made under the authority of the Japanese consortium led by Sumitomo Corporation, which is responsible for the development and operation of the third terminal.
Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is providing ground handling services for its own flights as well as all international airlines operating in Bangladesh, generating annual revenue of Tk 1,000–1,200 crore. However, the service has frequently faced criticism over delays and baggage handling inefficiencies, despite claims of recent improvements.
Biman was assigned ground handling responsibilities at the third terminal in October 2024 for an initial two-year period under the interim government, following earlier discussions over involving a foreign operator.
The CAAB chairman said ongoing negotiations with the Japanese consortium include key issues such as revenue sharing, fees, and operational terms. He expressed hope that a final agreement could be signed within the next few months.
He added that after the agreement is finalized, the third terminal will undergo a test run for six months to one year before partial operations begin. The government is targeting 16 December for partial opening, depending on progress.
Officials said the process is being handled cautiously to avoid operational disruption, noting that international studies show a high failure rate in rapid airport transitions.
The chairman further said maintenance of installed equipment is ongoing, and coordination with contractors is being maintained to ensure readiness ahead of full operations.
