Rajshahi Airport to get new look amid runway expansion, modernisation

Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi will get a new look upon the successful completion of the ongoing infrastructural development works, including runway expansion and ground station modernisation, by June next year.

Dilara Parveen, airport manager, said the airport has been reforming for a long time. It will get a new look through the expansion of the runway and modernisation of its ground station.

She said different types of works, including the boarding gate and new departure, the installation of luggage belts at the arrival lounge, and the enhancement of the capacity of the VIP Lounge and ticket counter, are progressing. 

A project to increase the airport's existing facilities is being implemented at an estimated cost of around Tk107 crore under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

After finishing the development project, the terminal will have a total area of 31,000 square feet. The runway will be 10,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, and the apron will be 275x250 feet.

The project includes the construction of the terminal building, the installation of an electromechanical and control tower, and the installation of communication and security equipment.

This will increase the passenger accommodation capacity of the current terminal from 260 to 850.

However, all types of aircraft, including cargo, will be flown from Rajshahi with the reformation work of other facilities, such as runway expansion.

Besides, the Rajshahi people hope to ensure direct communication with neighbouring countries.

The airport manager said that no expansion work had been done at Shah Makhdum Airport since its journey for the last 35 years.

The airport was shut down in 2007 due to a loss. After nine years, it reopened in 2015. In the initial stage, Bangladesh Biman started operating its flight, followed by US Bangla and Novoair, she added.

Currently, there are 26 flights on three airlines operating seven days a week. 

Shah Makhdum Airport started its journey with a runway 6,000 feet long and 92 feet wide in 1984. The runway is currently around 6,600 feet long and 120 feet wide. 

On the other hand, a typical runway length for a fully loaded Boeing 747-400 is around 10,000 to 12,000 feet for takeoff. 

Currently, domestic flights are operated to and from Rajshahi Airport. CAAB has already built a rest house, renovated the airport, and established a runway lighting system with an aim to transform it into an international airport.

Project Coordinator Monwar Hossain said the airliner companies couldn't increase their flight operations due to various reasons, particularly runway problems, despite past demands. 

He, however, said the new runway will make the flight operation easier.

Thirty-two percent of runway expansion works were completed, and the officials concerned expect that the works will be completed months ahead of the stipulated time.