The government has temporarily suspended its decision to declare Cox’s Bazar Airport as an international airport. According to sources, a new notification regarding the matter is likely to be issued on Sunday (October 26).
Earlier, on October 12, the government had officially announced Cox’s Bazar Airport as an international airport. However, the latest decision indicates preparations are underway to put that announcement on hold.
An official from the airport’s International Flight Operations Committee confirmed the development to Dhaka Post, though the exact reason behind the suspension has not yet been clarified.
As per the initial plan, international operations were scheduled to begin with Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ Kolkata–Cox’s Bazar route.
It is worth mentioning that on October 2, letters were sent to both domestic and international airlines inviting them to operate flights through Cox’s Bazar Airport. Later, on October 12, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry’s CA-1 wing issued a gazette notification, granting the airport international status.
However, following the issuance of a new circular, the timeline for launching international operations at Cox’s Bazar Airport is expected to be rescheduled.