8 districts under review for new domestic airports: Civil aviation minister

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said today that the government has launched feasibility studies to convert existing Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) ports into domestic airports in eight districts.

"Necessary measures will be taken to operationalise these airports once the consulting firm submits detailed feasibility report," the minister said in the parliament in reply to a question from MP Abu Taleb Mandol.

On a priority basis, feasibility studies are being conducted for STOL ports in Bogura, Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Ishwardi in Pabna, Shamshernagar in Moulvibazar, Khanjahan Ali in Bagerhat, Cumilla, and Patuakhali.

She said the initiative forms part of the government's broader commitment to developing an air connectivity grid across the country. Under the plan, small airports and airstrips will initially be established to connect divisional cities, followed by links at the district level.

Responding to a separate question from MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam, Afroza said Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited had purchased and added nine aircraft to its fleet over the past 15 years.

Of these, two Boeing 787-9 aircraft were purchased in 2019, five Dash 8-400 aircraft in 2020 and 2021, and two Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2021.

According to Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Fleet Expansion Plan 2026-2035, the national carrier will require 47 aircraft by 2035.

To that end, an agreement has already been signed with Boeing for the purchase of 14 aircraft. The addition of further aircraft is also under consideration as part of a plan to develop a mixed fleet and ensure the sustainable growth of Biman, the minister said.