The government has taken an initiative to reopen the long-abandoned Shamshernagar Airport in Moulvibazar, aiming to strengthen regional air connectivity in Sylhet division.
The information was disclosed by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam in response to a starred question in the Parliament.
According to the minister, Bangladesh currently has a total of 17 airports, including international and domestic airports, navigation facilities, air force bases, and short take-off and landing (STOL) airstrips.
She said six STOL airports — located in Shamshernagar, Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Ishwardi, Cumilla and Patuakhali — were built during World War II and are now either closed or operating at minimal capacity. Although Cumilla airport does not currently handle commercial flights, it still provides navigation services for foreign aircraft.
Officials and aviation insiders believe that reopening Shamshernagar airport could help boost domestic air transport, tourism, trade and overall regional development.
Established during the British colonial period, Shamshernagar airport played a strategic role during World War II. After Bangladesh’s independence, it operated limited domestic flights for some time before gradually falling out of use due to a lack of infrastructure development and declining demand.
At present, the airport remains under the control of the Bangladesh Air Force. While the runway is still functional, it lacks essential infrastructure such as a modern passenger terminal, adequate security systems, and necessary aviation support facilities required for commercial operations.
Locals say that with modest renovation and modernisation, the airport could be made operational again.
The Shamshernagar area is known for its tea gardens, scenic beauty and tourist attractions, including the nearby Lawachara National Park. Experts believe that reopening the airport would significantly enhance tourism and create new economic opportunities in the region.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has already taken steps to assess the feasibility of reviving underutilised regional airports across the country. As part of that plan, proposals for infrastructure development, runway expansion and construction of a passenger terminal at Shamshernagar are currently under consideration.
Sylhetview24.com/SZ/SD-10
