A. F. M. Asad Ullah Asad: Cargo flights from Sylhet to the international market are set to begin, opening new opportunities for Sylheti businesses to connect with the world. Tomorrow, Sunday, the first cargo flight from Sylhet will head to Spain, carrying products from the Spanish company Inditex. All necessary preparations, including security measures, have been completed by the Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani International Airport authority. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is overseeing the entire export process via Galistar Infinite Aviation.
The introduction of cargo flights has sparked new hope among exporters in Sylhet. Local businesspeople expect this service will not only benefit Sylhet but also, if service quality improves, attract businesses from India’s Seven Sisters region to use Osmani Airport for exports.
According to sources, the cargo complex has been freshly painted inside and out. A section has been prepared for storing goods, and scanning equipment, including EVS and dual X-ray machines, has been installed. A substation is ready to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
CAAB officials stated that the authority will ensure the security of cargo flight operations, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines will handle ground operations.
Importers noted that India previously offered Bangladesh the transshipment facility of exporting goods to third countries via Petrapole and Gede land ports. However, this facility was revoked by India on April 8. Following this, the interim government initiated the plan to use Osmani International Airport as an alternative for cargo transportation.
CAAB reported that once cargo flights start, products from Osmani Airport can be directly shipped to the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, as goods produced in the Sylhet region have high demand in these markets.
Exporters in Sylhet highlighted the international demand for their region’s products, such as vegetables, Jara lemons, betel leaves, Naga chili, frozen fish, various fragrant rice varieties, traditional Manipuri sarees, Satkara, cane furniture, and Nakshi Kantha.
Hizkil Gulzar, former president of the Fish Export Group and chairman of the Bangladesh Freight Forward Association Committee in Sylhet, stated that proper management could eventually allow businesses from the Seven Sisters region to benefit as well.
Mujibur Rahman Mintu, president of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Ajker Sylhet, “Previously, we had to export through Dhaka, which significantly increased costs. Now, this hassle will be greatly reduced.”
Ferdous Alam, vice-president of the Sylhet Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked, “A large volume of agricultural products used to go from Sylhet to Britain, but this suddenly stopped. Now there is hope of resuming this trade, which is good news for Sylhet.”
Khandaker Shipar Ahmed, former director of FBCCI and former president of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “Currently, products from Sylhet are exported via cargo flights from Dhaka, causing delays and inconveniences. Direct cargo flights from Sylhet will not only boost exports but also increase production.”
Hafiz Ahmed, director of Sylhet Airport, stated to Ajker Sylhet, “After Dhaka, Sylhet is the second airport in Bangladesh to begin cargo flights with advanced security processes. Facilities are now in place to export goods directly to the Western world and developed countries.” He added, “The first flight’s cargo is being scanned, and all security checks are being completed to ensure the cargo is ready. Inshallah, the first cargo flight will depart Sylhet on schedule.”
He further mentioned that the start of cargo flights from Sylhet will create export opportunities for local fish, vegetables, and other raw materials.
