Tawhidul Islam, Cox's Bazar 

A shell-shaped roof. Wave patterns of the sea on the steel structure above. It seems like a reflection of the sea itself. The design of the new international terminal at Cox’s Bazar Airport, the airport of the sea city, has been developed in harmony with its surroundings.

The terminal began trial operations on Monday morning. Currently, the new international terminal at Cox’s Bazar Airport is providing services to domestic passengers, but the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said it is also ready to handle international flights.

CAAB said that once fully operational, the airport’s annual passenger-handling capacity will increase from 730,000 to 2 million. Modern infrastructure has been developed with international standards of passenger service in mind. There is also a spacious apron. The 36,300-square-metre apron can accommodate two wide-body aircraft and three Dash-8 aircraft at the same time. After assessing its capability to operate international flights, the airport has also received certification from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Mohammad Saifullah, security supervisor at the International Passenger Terminal, said operations at the international terminal have begun on a trial basis. He said all necessary security measures required at an international airport have been ensured here.

He said two of the three branches of Bangladesh’s armed forces, intelligence agencies, Ansar and members of various other agencies are working in coordination as part of the security arrangements. Since Cox’s Bazar is one of the country’s major tourist destinations and a large number of domestic and international tourists visit the area, ensuring safe and hassle-free air travel for passengers is their main priority, he said.

Airport authorities said 54 aircraft currently take off and land at the airport every day.

Tourists and passengers have expressed satisfaction with the modern facilities at the new terminal.

Dhaka-bound passenger Sakhawat Hossain said, “The fact that I will be able to travel through the new terminal is truly surprising and exciting. Last night, I suddenly received an SMS informing me that we would have to use the new terminal. I have been visiting Cox’s Bazar for many years and have watched the construction of the terminal, but I was never sure when it would open. It feels really good to be able to use the new terminal on one of the first flights this morning.”

According to information provided by the authorities concerned, there are four immigration counters for international departures and six for arrivals. There are two baggage belts for luggage handling. The terminal also has a public address system, flight information displays, CCTV and heavy hand-baggage scanning facilities. From duty-free shops to boarding bridges, various modern facilities have been provided to ensure comfortable travel for passengers. There are also lifts, escalators and check-in counters. Separate immigration counters and lounges have been provided for arrivals and departures.

Along with  the infrastructure, passengers also hope that the quality of services will be maintained. Dhaka-based passenger Shihabur Rahman said, “I am an architect by profession. Because of my work, my wife and I regularly use different airports abroad. At the same time, we visit Cox’s Bazar two or three times almost every year. From what I have seen so far, this new terminal is a very beautiful initiative and facility. An airport involves various activities, including check-in, security screening, immigration and boarding. In that regard, the necessary facilities and processes here appear to have been arranged quite well.

“However, how long a facility remains in good condition depends on proper maintenance. I hope the relevant authorities will maintain it regularly and properly. I hope that the beauty and quality of service that make everything look new and attractive today will be preserved for years to come.”