The government is aiming to open the long-awaited third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by December 16 depending on reaching an agreement with a Japanese consortium, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Thursday.

During a briefing at the secretariat, the minister said a ground handling agreement with a Japanese consortium is also expected to be signed by July 19. 

“If we can sign the contract soon, we expect that we can launch the third terminal by the end of this year, by 16 December,” he said.

Spanning 5,42,000 square metres, the construction of the third terminal began in 2019 as part of a major expansion project at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the country’s busiest international gateway. 

The project was financed largely through support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and built by an international consortium involving Japanese and other foreign firms.

Although the terminal was partially inaugurated in October 2023 under the Awami League government, it has remained idle due to disputes between Bangladeshi authorities and the consortium regarding management responsibilities and revenue-sharing arrangements.

The consortium comprises Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Koei and Narita International Airport Corporation.

Once fully operational, the new terminal is expected to significantly enhance the airport’s capacity and service quality. 

Designed to accommodate millions of additional passengers each year, it will feature faster immigration processing, improved baggage handling systems, and upgraded passenger facilities.