CAAB intensifies preparations for DfT, ICAO security audits; 80% work completed
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has stepped up preparations for two major international aviation security audits, with nearly 80 percent of the required work already completed to strengthen the country’s compliance with global aviation security standards.
According to officials, around 75 to 80 percent of the overall preparations have been completed ahead of separate audits by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The UK Department for Transport is scheduled to conduct its security audit in Bangladesh from 14 to 17 July 2026. The assessment will primarily examine security arrangements for UK-bound passengers and cargo handled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and Osmani International Airport. The audit will evaluate the effectiveness of passenger, mail and cargo security measures in line with international aviation security standards.
Meanwhile, the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) audit is scheduled to take place from 26 October to 6 November 2026. ICAO experts will assess security management systems and implementation measures at CAAB headquarters, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport.
Officials said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is closely monitoring the preparations, giving the two international audits the highest priority. The civil aviation and tourism minister, along with the state minister, has been reviewing progress regularly and issuing necessary directives. Coordination meetings are also being held at the ministry at regular intervals to assess progress and determine further actions.
Preparations for the ICAO audit began in November last year. To oversee the process, three high-level committees have been formed to supervise work across nine key aviation security areas. The committees are conducting regular reviews, gap analyses and recommending corrective measures to ensure compliance with international standards.
As part of the preparation process, monthly progress review meetings are being held under the leadership of CAAB’s Member (Security). In addition, coordination meetings chaired by the CAAB Chairman are held every two months with representatives of all relevant agencies to review progress, identify challenges and provide necessary instructions.
According to officials involved in the process, approximately 75 to 80 percent of the required work has already been completed, with the remaining activities expected to be finished by 15 August.
As part of the security enhancement programme, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for modern screening equipment, including advanced X-ray machines and scanners, have already been completed successfully. The equipment is expected to arrive in Bangladesh in August and will be installed and commissioned in phases from 1 September.
Before the ICAO mission arrives, CAAB plans to conduct an internal pre-audit during the first week of October to evaluate its level of preparedness. The exercise is expected to identify any remaining gaps, allowing authorities to implement corrective measures before the official inspection.
According to CAAB sources, Bangladesh achieved a score of 68.55 percent in the 2018 ICAO aviation security audit, surpassing the international benchmark of 65 percent. This time, the authority is aiming for a score of more than 75 percent.
In the previous DfT audit, Bangladesh secured 100 percent compliance in cargo security and approximately 93 to 94 percent in passenger security, officials said.
Authorities are optimistic that ongoing preparations, the introduction of modern screening equipment and continuous high-level monitoring will enable Bangladesh to achieve even stronger results in both the upcoming DfT and ICAO audits.
Officials believe successful outcomes will further enhance the international credibility of Bangladesh’s airports, strengthen confidence among global aviation partners and reinforce the country’s standing within the international aviation security framework.