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Cox's Bazar Airport Shock: Why International Flights Were Suspended After 11 Days

Bangladesh has unexpectedly suspended all international flight operations at Cox's Bazar Airport. The decision comes just 11 days after the airport was officially designated as an international facility. Authorities have banned both scheduled and non-scheduled international flights, including emergency landings. This reversal affects major tourism development plans initiated under the previous government to make Cox's Bazar a global destination.

Key Points: Bangladesh Suspends Cox's Bazar International Flight Operations

  • International flight suspension includes emergency landings and non-scheduled operations
  • Airport received international designation just 11 days earlier
  • Runway was recently extended to 2,743 meters for global operations
  • Decision follows CAAB seeking ministry guidance on airport status
2 min read

Bangladesh suspends international flight operations at Cox's Bazar airport

Bangladesh's interim government halts international flights at Cox's Bazar Airport just 11 days after designation, reversing major tourism development plans.

"Cox's Bazar Airport is requested not to be used for international scheduled flights - Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism"

Dhaka, Oct 28

Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has announced suspension of international flight operations at Cox's Bazar Airport, local media reported on Tuesday.

The authorities have instructed that the airport cannot be used for emergency or diversion landings, or for operating non-scheduled international flights.

The directive, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, stated that Cox's Bazar Airport cannot be used for international flights until further notice.

"Cox's Bazar Airport is requested not to be used for international scheduled flights as well as non-scheduled international flights and emergency landings," it read.

The Ministry has instructed the relevant agencies to take necessary steps to ensure proper implementation of the order, Bangladesh's Bengali daily 'Kaler Kantho' reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, on October 12, the interim government had issued a gazette designating Cox's Bazar Airport as an international airport. However, just 11 days later, the government decided to suspend the notification.

Last week, speaking to Daily Star, Air Commodore Noor-e-Alam, member of air traffic management at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), said that the CAAB Chairman had sent a letter to the ministry on October 21, seeking guidance on what should be done regarding Cox's Bazar airport.

The Civil Aviation Ministry Advisor Bashir Uddin and Secretary Nasreen Jahan visited the airport after which they said that an official decision would come on Sunday.

Reports suggest that, initiated in 2021 under the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, the plan to upgrade the airport in the coastal resort town to international standards aimed to attract foreign tourists and develop Cox's Bazar as a global destination.

As part of the project, the runway at the airport was extended from about 2,065 metres to 2,743 metres (6,775 feet to 9,000 feet).

Bangladesh has been reeling under uncertainty and stalled development projects under the Yunus-led interim government which continue to plunge the nation into a deep economic slowdown.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Just 11 days after making it international, they suspend operations? This shows complete lack of planning. So much money spent on runway extension going to waste.
D
David E
As someone who visited Cox's Bazar last year, this is sad news. The beach is beautiful and deserves better infrastructure. Hope they resolve this soon.
A
Ananya R
This uncertainty in Bangladesh affects regional stability. Many Indian tourists visit Cox's Bazar - this decision will impact cross-border tourism significantly.
S
Siddharth J
While I understand the need for proper planning, this flip-flop policy making is concerning. The interim government should have more clarity before making such announcements.
M
Michael C
The economic slowdown mentioned in the article is worrying for the entire South Asian region. Hope Bangladesh finds stability soon. 🙏

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