In a significant regional development, Bangladesh has launched its first dedicated cargo flight from Sylhet’s MAG Osmani International Airport, marking a major step towards strengthening its air freight capabilities and reducing reliance on Indian infrastructure.
According to Bangladesh media reports, the inaugural flight — operated by a chartered Airbus A330-300 freighter from Galistair Aviation — took off on April 27, carrying 60 tonnes of readymade garments to Spain for global retail major Inditex, which owns fashion brands including Zara.
The move comes weeks after India, on April 8, withdrew transshipment facilities for Bangladeshi cargo through its ports and airports with immediate effect, citing congestion and operational delays. The sudden decision disrupted Bangladesh’s export routes to Nepal and Bhutan and caused logistical bottlenecks for its key textile shipments, prompting Dhaka to fast-track plans to decentralise and expand its own cargo handling infrastructure.
“This is undoubtedly a groundbreaking step for the people of Sylhet and the country’s export sector,” Sk Bashir Uddin, Adviser to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, said during the inauguration ceremony. He added that the initiative would help cut air freight costs for Bangladeshi exporters by up to 13% on routes to Europe.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has upgraded Sylhet’s airport to international cargo handling standards, equipping it with explosive detection systems, X-ray scanners, and reinforced security protocols. Air Vice Marshal Md Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of CAAB, confirmed that the new service would initially operate two freighter flights per week, with plans to scale up depending on demand.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, and Civil Aviation Secretary Nasrin Jahan were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony, with both officials describing the launch as a long-awaited boost for the region and a step towards easing the pressure on Dhaka’s overburdened Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The development at Sylhet is part of a broader strategy to activate dormant cargo operations at other airports, including Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram. Authorities there recently convened an emergency meeting to restart services, aiming for at least two freighter movements a week in the initial phase.
Industry experts across the subcontinent are closely watching Bangladesh’s swift moves to build self-reliance in logistics infrastructure following India’s policy shift. While stakeholders in Bangladesh have welcomed the initiative, they note that sustained infrastructure investment and cost competitiveness will be critical to securing long-term gains in the country’s air cargo market.
As the South Asian logistics landscape evolves, Bangladesh’s recent efforts signal a determined push to secure its trade lanes and lessen dependency on regional partners for critical export movements.
