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WorldPosted at: Apr 27 2025 5:42PM


Bangladesh speeds up efforts to enhance air cargo capacity after India’s revocation of transshipment facility

Dhaka, Apr 27 (UNI) After India’s revocation of transshipment facilities to Bangladesh, Dhaka is speeding up efforts to enhance its own air cargo capacity.
Since India on April 8 revoked the use of its transshipment facilities with immediate effect, Bangladesh has been looking to reduce its dependence on India for its exports.
Bangladesh’s exports are heavily reliant on Indian infrastructure, particularly its textile sector, with Indian terminals permitting an ease of supply for Dhaka’s exports, both to India and internationally.
The sudden disruption has effectively halted all of Bangladesh’s exports to Nepal and Bhutan, as well as caused several delays and mounting costs for its textile exports.
Given its dwindling economy, fall in exports, and lack of infrastructure, Dhaka has been looking to fast-track its efforts to diversify export channels and reduce dependence on India, according to The Daily Star.
In a first move to address the shortfall, Sylhet's Osmani International Airport is set to launch dedicated cargo operations today and become the country's second airport to handle freighter flights after Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
A chartered Airbus A330-300 freighter of Galistair Aviation is to depart Sylhet, carrying up to 60 tonnes of garments to Spain, said Shakil Meraj, director (in-charge) of the Cargo Department of Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BBA).
The shipment is bound for Inditex, the Spanish clothing company that owns several major fashion brands, including Zara. The BBA will provide cargo and ground-handling services for the inaugural flight.
The inaugural ceremony will see Bangladesh's Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan, and Civil Aviation and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin as chief guests.
"This is a significant milestone as Sylhet becomes operational for cargo flights," said Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan. He added that explosive detection systems, X-ray scanners, and additional security arrangements had been installed to meet international freight handling standards.
The initiative to open Sylhet is part of a broader strategy to decentralise and expand Bangladesh's cargo-handling capacity.
Officials are also moving to activate Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram for dedicated cargo operations, which have remained dormant since 2022.
In an earlier emergency meeting held in Chattogram on April 21, Group Captain Alamgir, director of the airport, said preparations were underway to restart cargo services and that initial capacity would allow at least two large freighter flights per week.
"India's decision is a wake-up call. We now have an opportunity to become more self-reliant," Alamgir said.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, but stressed that long-term success would depend on comprehensive infrastructure improvements and cost competitiveness.
India revoked the transshipment facility due to congestion at its ports and airports caused by an overload of Bangladeshi cargo, leading to logistical delays and rising costs for Indian exports.

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