Bangladesh Plans Fleet Expansion and New Direct Flights to New York

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat outlined comprehensive future flight plans, aircraft leasing strategies, and crucial airport developments during a press briefing held on 23 August 2026 at the Secretariat in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists on his very first working day in office, the minister detailed a series of ambitious administrative goals aimed at transforming the nation's civil aviation sector and resolving ongoing operational challenges.

Addressing the pressing need to overcome current capacity challenges, the minister revealed that the government has formulated a concrete strategy to lease a total of ten aircraft within this year. Elaborating on the timeline for this major fleet enhancement, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat stated that authorities intend to officially sign the formal agreements regarding these acquisitions by the coming December, with the ultimate target of successfully integrating the new aircraft into the active fleet starting next year.

On the international route expansion front, the minister discussed the highly anticipated direct air connection to the United States. He explained that establishing a direct flight route to New York as early as January of next year entirely depends on achieving the designated international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Securing the necessary official grade during the upcoming ICAO audit remains the absolute prerequisite for inaugurating this vital transatlantic route on schedule.

Significant developments were also highlighted concerning domestic and international aviation infrastructure projects across the country. Regarding the newly constructed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the minister announced that interested Japanese companies are scheduled to submit their formal tenders on the 25th day of this current month. Following the successful finalization and signing of the agreement, authorities will retain a timeframe of approximately three and a half months to complete all remaining operational preparations, keeping a firm plan in place to execute a soft opening of the third terminal by December 16 if feasible.

Furthermore, the government has turned its attention to upgrading regional aviation facilities, specifically focusing on the Ishwardi Airport. According to the official briefing details provided by the minister, the Ishwardi Airport currently features a runway measuring approximately 6,000 feet in length. To accommodate larger aircraft and boost regional connectivity, the civil authorities have formulated a specific developmental plan to extend this existing runway by an additional 2,500 feet, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the airfield.