Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (IATA: DAC, ICAO: VGHS) is the largest and busiest airport in Bangladesh, located in Dhaka, the capital city. It serves as the primary gateway for domestic and international air travel in the country.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Location: Kurmitola, Dhaka, Bangladesh (approximately 11 km north of Dhaka city center)
Type: Public / Civil aviation
Owner/Operator: Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB)
Named After: Hazrat Shahjalal, a revered 14th-century Sufi saint

History[edit | edit source]

Early Development: Established in 1941 as Dacca Airport during British rule.
Post-Independence: Upgraded to an international airport after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971.
Expansion: Several expansions have been undertaken to handle increasing passenger and cargo traffic, including terminal renovations and runway improvements.

Facilities[edit | edit source]

Terminals:
- Main international terminal for long-haul international flights
- Domestic terminal for flights within Bangladesh
Runways: Single asphalt runway (15/33) capable of handling large aircraft
Passenger Amenities: Duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, immigration services, baggage claim, and car rental facilities
Cargo Facilities: Equipped for handling freight, mail, and perishable goods

Airlines and Destinations[edit | edit source]

International Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and others
Domestic Airlines: Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair, and other regional carriers
Destinations: Flights to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and domestic cities including Chittagong, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar

Traffic and Statistics[edit | edit source]

Passenger Traffic: Handles over 10 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic estimates)
Cargo Traffic: Significant volume of cargo, including garments, seafood, and perishable goods
Aircraft Movements: Thousands of flights annually, making it the busiest airport in Bangladesh

Expansion Projects[edit | edit source]

Second Terminal Construction: Ongoing projects aim to expand passenger handling capacity and modernize facilities
Runway Extension and Upgrades: To accommodate larger aircraft and improve safety
Digitalization: Implementation of advanced air traffic control and passenger management systems

Significance[edit | edit source]

Serves as Bangladesh’s primary international gateway, connecting the country to the world
Vital for tourism, business, trade, and diplomatic activities
Supports economic growth by facilitating export-import activities and foreign investment