Bangladesh Opens Sylhet, Chittagong to Ease Cargo Pressure
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has approved international cargo operations from Sylhet and Chittagong airports in response to growing cargo capacity shortages at Dhaka and the recent Indian ban on transhipments. According to The Daily Star, Sylhet will begin cargo flights on April 27, with Chittagong (Chattogram) to follow shortly.
CAAB Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan confirmed the move, highlighting it as a critical step to ease the burden on Dhaka’s overcapacity cargo terminal. Dhaka Airport currently handles three times its nominal cargo capacity daily, with conditions worsening during peak seasons.
The capacity crisis has intensified following India’s early April ban on the transhipment of Bangladeshi goods. Previously, many exporters routed cargo via Kolkata or Delhi due to lower shipping costs, fuel prices, and handling fees. Garment industry representatives estimate that nearly 20% of Bangladesh’s garment exports were being transhipped through India before the ban.
To further address the issue, CAAB is considering reducing cargo handling fees at Dhaka Airport. Additionally, the new terminal at Dhaka, scheduled to open by the end of 2025, is expected to significantly expand the airport’s overall cargo capacity.
India initially granted transhipment rights to Bangladesh in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to support trade continuity. However, local Indian logistics operators have since voiced concerns over congestion at airports, seaports, and land borders. Diplomatic tensions have risen between the two countries following Bangladesh’s change in government in August 2024, which may have influenced the policy reversal.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com