Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam told Parliament that the government is in contact with several airlines to begin international flights from Cox’s Bazar Airport. She said this during a parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The minister noted that the airport has received certification from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) after meeting international standards and suitability requirements.

According to the minister, the runway has been extended from 9,000 to 10,700 feet toward the sea to accommodate larger aircraft, and a new international terminal building covering 17,955 square meters has been constructed. Testing and commissioning work is ongoing to make the airport fully operational. Afroza Khanam added that it will take a few more months to modernize and launch the airport as an international facility.

She also stated that Biman Bangladesh Airlines remains profitable overall, though it faces aircraft shortages. Steps are underway to add new aircraft to the fleet and improve operational efficiency to enhance profitability and service quality.