29 Apr '25
(Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS): India's suspension of third-country transshipment facility offered to Bangladesh earlier this month has forced Dhaka to expand its air cargo capacity, accelerate efforts to diversify export channels and reduce dependence on its neighbour.
Insights
India's suspension of third-country transshipment facility to Bangladesh has forced Dhaka to expand air cargo capacity and accelerate efforts to diversify export channels.
Sylhet's Osmani International Airport is expected to launch dedicated cargo operations today.
There is also a plan to activate Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram for such operations, which have remained dormant since 2022.
India’s decision has snatched a vital and dependable logistics route away from the country’s garment exporters. The Indian route, which gained prominence during the pandemic, offered faster lead times and lower costs compared to shipping directly out of Dhaka. Cost differentials were substantial.
Sylhet's Osmani International Airport is expected to launch dedicated cargo operations today and become the country's second airport to handle freight flights after Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
A chartered Airbus A330-300 freighter of Galistair Aviation is scheduled to depart Sylhet this evening carrying up to 60 tonnes of garments for Inditex in Spain. Biman will offer cargo and ground-handling services for the inaugural flight.
Explosive detection systems, X-ray scanners and additional security paraphernalia have been installed at the airport to meet international freight handling standards, according to domestic media reports.
There is also a plan to activate Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram for dedicated cargo operations, which have remained dormant since 2022.
Chattogram's cargo station, capable of handling 250 tonnes for imports and 20 tonnes for exports, had remained largely unused since the suspension of import cargo flights two years ago. The industry has welcomed the move, stressing on comprehensive infrastructure improvement and cost competitiveness at the two airports for long-term success.
Hopes are pinned on the much-delayed third terminal at HSIA, which is expected to open early next year. Once operational, the terminal is projected to raise Dhaka's export cargo capacity from 200,000 tonnes to 546,000 tonnes annually, supported by a new 36,000-sq m cargo zone.(Source: Fibre2Fashion.com)