Bangladesh has launched a comprehensive airspace surveillance system, significantly enhancing its air traffic control capabilities. This development marks a major milestone for the country’s aviation sector, bringing the entire airspace, including the Bay of Bengal, under full monitoring since April 2026.
The modern air traffic control system, installed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, has led to a notable increase in overflight charge collections. According to official data, revenue rose from Tk53.59 crore in January 2024 to Tk80.16 crore in January 2026, highlighting the system’s effectiveness.
Previously, outdated systems allowed many aircraft to pass undetected, depriving Bangladesh of crucial revenue. The new system, featuring advanced radar technology from Thales Group, ensures complete surveillance and improved regional connectivity with neighboring countries like India and Myanmar.
Implemented under a Bangladesh-France agreement, the system includes an S-band primary radar with an 80 nautical mile range and a Mode-S secondary radar extending up to 200 nautical miles. This upgrade enables real-time tracking and faster decision-making for air traffic controllers.
As international air traffic continues to rise, Bangladesh’s strategic location between South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East makes modern airspace management critical. The new system positions Bangladesh to handle increasing traffic demands effectively.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 26, 2026
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