“Third terminal will offer world-class services like those at Changi and Dubai airports”

The iconic third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be a game-changer for the country's aviation sector, and passengers' existing negative mindset will be transformed when they receive world-class service at this terminal.

Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, mentioned this in an interview with The Daily Star.

"At present, passengers using terminals 1 and 2 have a negative mindset as they witness a huge crowd and chaos at Dhaka airport, which is currently operating unsystematically," he explained.

Currently, departure and arrival formalities occur at the same place within the airport, resulting in long queues and crowds at immigration and the luggage belt, congested areas, and inadequate lighting, all contributing to passengers' negative perceptions.

Then there's the issue of service, which is not up to par at Dhaka airport presently.

"Now, people will feel relaxed after landing at Dhaka Airport, and they will get an image of the country—what it's like while using the third terminal," said the CAAB boss.

The aesthetic beauty, design, and spaciousness of the third terminal will provide passengers with world-class service comparable to Changi Airport in Singapore or Dubai Airport.

"It's a dream come true. The eye-catching design of the terminal and having world-class facilities will change the definition of providing passenger service at Dhaka Airport," Mafidur said.

An adequate number of wide glass lifts, escalators, lighting facilities, luggage conveyor belts, immigration and check-in counters, cabin and hold baggage X-ray machines, and body scanners will provide passengers with smooth service facilities.

Every system within the third terminal, including luggage handling, will be fully integrated and automated.

Regarding the operation and maintenance of the third terminal, the CAAB chairman said that it will be provided by a Japanese company, as they are already efficiently handling various international airports with a good reputation and maintaining international standards.

"We are hoping that passengers will receive better service with this new management of the third terminal," added Mafidur.

He also mentioned that a modernized approach will be ensured while distributing commercial entities at the third terminal, which was absent in terminals 1 and 2.

There was no system in place for allocating commercial shops at these two terminals. A completely non-standard pattern was followed in this regard. Food and beverage outlets, duty-free shops, airport lounges, and all other shops will be allocated following global international practices.

The third terminal was also built with an environmentally friendly approach, maximizing natural daylight and minimizing electricity usage.

Most of the technologies and equipment used in the airports of G7 countries were also used in the third terminal.

In the third terminal, passengers will not need any assistance as everything will be well-displayed. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence-based sensor will be incorporated in this third terminal in the next phase.

After the single security check, passengers will be able to board the aircraft directly, eliminating the existing six to seven check-ups at terminals 1 and 2, as explained by Mafidur.

"Considering all these factors, the third terminal will be a milestone for Bangladesh," he added.

Similarly, outbound travelers and inbound passengers arriving from different countries will also be able to exit the airport without any hassle or inconvenience.

"There is a saying that the first impression is the last impression. We have built the third terminal in such a way that any foreigners landing at Dhaka Airport can understand that Bangladesh has undergone significant changes and is progressing towards becoming a developed nation," he added.

The CAAB chief mentioned that with the launch of the third terminal, Bangladesh will also become a regional aviation hub. This will truly be a game-changer, positioning Bangladesh as the "Switzerland of the East" due to its global location.

He also noted that transit passengers will be able to spend their time comfortably at the third terminal.

"A large lounge has been constructed for transit passengers in the new terminal. It will serve 4 million passengers annually," he said, adding, "Passengers will also enjoy seamless travel transitions to and from the airport."

To meet passengers' needs during transit, a range of amenities is being introduced, including movie lounges and food courts designed to enhance the passenger experience.

Additionally, airline lounges and dayrooms will be available for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.

A children's play area equipped with sleeper swings will be provided for young travelers to enjoy.