'Govt considering to reopen small airports'

The government is considering to resume operations of the country's five short takeoff and landing (STOL) airports in phases, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali said today.

He said this while speaking at a seminar titled, "Capacity Building of International Airports and Opening of Stalled Domestic Airports in Bangladesh" at a city hotel.

The seminar was organised by the Bangladesh Monitor with a view to promote smart aviation in the country and was supported by Eastern Bank Ltd.

Aircraft that has short runway requirements can use STOL airports.

The STOL airports are in Ishwardi, Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Shamshernagar (Moulvibazar), and Cumilla.

The airports were regularly used but due to various problems and shortage of passengers, operations were suspended over the years.

The junior minister said country's aviation sector has been changing gradually through consistent development.

Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), said they are planning to take measures to reopen all STOL airport as people's ability has improved.

Aviation Expert Kazi Wahidul Alam conducted the seminar.