The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has urged the Bangladesh government to introduce incentives and infrastructure reforms to expand air cargo operations at Shah Amanat International Airport and develop Chattogram into a regional logistics hub.
The chamber has proposed a five-point package that includes round-the-clock operations at the airport and a concessional tariff structure for international flights. It is also seeking transit and refuelling facilities for long-haul carriers and improved facilities for international passengers during stopovers.
A key part of the proposal is the development of a modern cargo village, inland container depot and container freight station near the airport in Patenga. The chamber believes the area’s proximity to both the airport and Chattogram Port creates an opportunity to establish an integrated air-and-sea logistics zone.
The CCCI has also called for greater private-sector participation through public-private partnerships and other investment models to develop the required cargo infrastructure.
According to the chamber, stronger international air connectivity and improved cargo facilities could attract additional airlines, increase cargo traffic and reduce Bangladesh’s heavy dependence on Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for international shipments.
The proposals come as Bangladesh seeks to modernise its logistics infrastructure and improve the efficiency of its airfreight sector. Recent government measures have also opened the way for private Air Cargo Operator Stations, with the aim of turning international airports including Chattogram into more efficient logistics hubs.
The chamber said the proposed incentives and infrastructure investments could help unlock Chattogram’s potential as an important gateway for Bangladesh’s international trade and air cargo.