Second ground handler to join Biman at HSIA Terminal‑3

Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has announced that alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines, a second ground handling operator will be appointed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Terminal‑3 to improve service and introduce competition.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq revealed the decision during a meeting with members of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Association of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at CAAB headquarters.

“The second operator will be engaged from the very first day of Terminal‑3 operations,” he said.

He added that the Japanese consortium led by Sumitomo Corporation will have the prerogative to select the second ground handler in addition to Biman.

In October 2024, during the interim government, Biman was assigned ground handling responsibilities at Terminal‑3 for an initial two‑year period, amid concerns from foreign airlines about service quality.

The interim government allowed Biman another opportunity to prove its capability under strict performance conditions.

Currently, Biman handles ground services for its own flights and all 41 international airlines operating from HSIA, generating annual revenues of Tk 1,400-1,500 crore.

Despite this, passengers and stakeholders have frequently criticised its services, particularly baggage handling, for delays and inefficiencies.

Authorities claim baggage delivery times have improved significantly in recent months, with the first baggage from small‑body aircraft delivered within 15-20 minutes of arrival.