Biman cargo on the path to aerial victory overcoming the transshipment crisis

The heart of Bangladesh’s air export-import operations lies at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. On average, 210 thousand metric tons of export goods and 121 thousand metric tons of import goods are transported through this airport each year. In contrast, Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram handles only about 3,352 metric tons of exports and 2,920 metric tons of imports annually. This indicates that nearly all of the country’s air cargo operations are dependent on Dhaka.
Previously, some goods were transported by road to India for transshipment. India abruptly suspended this facility for Bangladeshi products, exporters faced significant concerns. Yet, despite the sudden halt of Indian transshipment facilities, Bangladesh’s air cargo transport did not come to a standstill. Instead, it opened new opportunities for direct air freight from Bangladesh — spearheaded largely by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
During this critical time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), exporters, and most notably, Biman Bangladesh Airlines played key roles in managing the crisis. The Sylhet Osmani International Airport was upgraded to be suitable for freighter operations. To facilitate this, the European Union and the UK validated the RA3 (Regulated Agent Third Country) certification for cargo services at Sylhet Airport in March 2025, ensuring mandatory safety and security compliance. This certification remains valid until 2028.
As a result, on April 27, 2025, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, officially inaugurated the first air freighter operation from Sylhet to Zaragoza, Spain. Since then, one dedicated freighter has been operating weekly through May, with plans to increase to two per week from June 2025. At present, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is prepared to operate at least four freighters per week.
Preparations are also underway to begin cargo freighter operations from Chattogram Airport. CAAB has taken steps to develop necessary infrastructure, and Biman is ready to start cargo flights alongside regular passenger services. Additionally, a new opportunity is emerging in the southern region of the country—Cox’s Bazar Airport. With strong infrastructure and an extended runway, Cox’s Bazar is being developed as the fourth largest international airport in Bangladesh. The launch of the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar railway and its proximity (only 180 kilometers) to Chattogram make cost-effective and timely cargo transport feasible. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is preparing the necessary workforce, cargo warehouses, and handling equipment to take full advantage of this potential.
Meanwhile, Dhaka’s newly constructed third terminal is nearing completion and once operational, the cargo handling capacity at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will nearly triple. While in 2019 the total international and domestic air cargo volume stood at around 334 thousand metric tons, it is projected to reach 434 thousand metric tons by 2025 and approximately 663 thousand metric tons by 2035. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has already taken significant steps to ensure the necessary infrastructure, manpower, and international-standard services for operating this new cargo terminal. As part of this, 381 modern cargo handling equipment units—including 335 hydraulic hand trolleys, 8 tow tractors, 18 mini forklifts, 14 forklifts, and 6 buggies—are being procured, with the majority already in place.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Biman’s cargo directorate achieved record earnings. To ensure safety and quality in international cargo transport, Biman has acquired both RA3 and ACC3 (Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the European Union from a third country airport) certifications. These are critical for shipping cargo to the EU and UK and symbolize Biman’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently serves as the designated cargo handling agent for 48 international airlines. In addition to scheduled flights, it successfully handles an average of 2,100 non-scheduled cargo charter flights annually, reflecting its robust operational capabilities and significant role in the global air cargo industry.
As part of its future development strategy, Biman cargo is actively working to secure special prorate agreements (SPA), block space agreements (BSA), code-sharing, and strategic partnerships with renowned airlines such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Gulf Air, Royal Dutch Airlines, and Air France. These initiatives aim to expand the cargo network, maximize transport capacity, and meet the growing demand in the international market with high-quality services. Simultaneously, arrangements for handling transit/transfer cargo through Dhaka are also underway.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has demonstrated the courage, leadership, and relentless efforts required to transform a crisis into an opportunity. In the progress of Bangladesh’s air cargo transportation sector, Biman is not just a partner—it is a trusted pioneer. Air cargo today is more than a transportation service; it represents the country’s dreams, pride, and symbol of global ambition and Biman Bangladesh Airlines is adding new wings to that symbol.