Idle airports in Bangladesh are set to be reactivated in phases, with Bogra and Thakurgaon prioritised first, as the government seeks to improve domestic connectivity, support regional trade and expand air transport beyond major cities, officials and local media reports said.
Idle airports revival plan focuses on regional connectivity
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has proposed reactivating eight long-inactive or abandoned airports, according to media reports citing CAAB officials. The airports listed for consideration are Bogra, Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Ishwardi, Shamshernagar, Khanjahan Ali, Comilla and Patuakhali.
The proposal is expected to be implemented in phases after feasibility studies, cost assessments and government approval. CAAB’s official aeronautical information records list several of these facilities, including Bogra, Comilla, Thakurgaon and Tejgaon, as aerodromes or STOL airports, confirming that these sites form part of Bangladesh’s aviation infrastructure records.
Bogra and Thakurgaon are being treated as early priorities. The government has reportedly approved a plan to upgrade Bogra Airport into an international-standard facility.
Officials have linked the proposed reopening to socio-economic development, domestic air connectivity and the need to reduce regional transport gaps. Several of the airports have remained unused for years, leaving runways, land and associated infrastructure at risk of deterioration or encroachment.
Bogra airport prioritised under northern development push
Bogra is expected to be the first major focus of the reactivation plan because of its central location in northern Bangladesh and its proximity to industrial and agricultural zones. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism’s official Facebook page stated in a post that Bogura would be developed into one of the country’s major aviation hubs, following an official visit to Bogura Airport.
Reports said the plan includes developing Bogra as an international-standard airport, along with aviation training and defence-related facilities.
The northern region has long been viewed as an area with strong agricultural and light industrial potential. Bogra is associated with foundry, machinery and agro-based industries, while nearby districts supply food products, dairy, fruits and vegetables to domestic markets. Faster air links may also improve access for investors, business visitors and emergency services.
At present, travel from many northern districts to Dhaka depends largely on road and rail networks. Business groups have argued that air connectivity could reduce journey times and make the region more attractive for investment. However, aviation experts have also urged the authorities to test commercial viability before committing large sums to airport infrastructure.
Thakurgaon airport also placed on priority list
Thakurgaon Airport is also expected to be prioritised in the early stages of the plan, according to media reports. The airport has been inactive for decades and has long been the subject of local demands for reopening.
The airport’s revival could benefit Bangladesh’s north-western districts, including areas close to the borders with India and near trade routes connected to Nepal and Bhutan. Any reopening would require assessment of runway condition, land availability, passenger demand, air traffic management, fire safety and airline interest.
Officials have not yet publicly confirmed a final date for commercial operations at Thakurgaon. Without these details, the proposal should be treated as a government plan rather than an immediate launch of flights.
The priority given to Thakurgaon also reflects the government’s stated focus on reducing regional disparities. If implemented, the airport could strengthen passenger movement in the north-west and support business travel in a region that currently relies on longer surface routes.
Other airports under consideration
The wider reactivation list reportedly includes Lalmonirhat, Ishwardi, Shamshernagar, Khanjahan Ali, Comilla and Patuakhali. Some of these facilities were originally built during the British period or were used during earlier phases of Bangladesh’s aviation history. Others remain under military or other institutional control.
Ishwardi has particular economic significance because of the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone and the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna district. BEPZA’s official data says Ishwardi EPZ has generated more than USD 2.26 billion in exports and employs more than 21,099 people. This strengthens the economic argument for improved regional transport links around Ishwardi, although airport viability would still depend on airline demand and infrastructure standards.
Patuakhali and Khanjahan Ali are linked to southern development and tourism potential, including access to Kuakata and the south-western region. Comilla and Shamshernagar could serve eastern and north-eastern areas if found commercially and technically viable.
Background
Bangladesh currently operates scheduled domestic flights through a limited number of airports, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Saidpur, Jashore, Rajshahi and Barishal. Several other airfields and former airports remain inactive.
CAAB previously discussed the revival of inactive airports as part of a wider effort to expand domestic aviation. Media reports say the authority’s board approved the proposal in principle and sent it to the ministry for final decision.
The government’s interest in reopening idle airports comes as Bangladesh seeks to diversify regional development, promote tourism and support industrial growth outside Dhaka and Chattogram. However, similar projects often depend on sustained airline demand, adequate aircraft availability, safety compliance and realistic operating costs.
What’s next
The next steps are expected to include feasibility studies, cost-benefit analysis, land and infrastructure assessments, and final approval from the relevant ministry. Airlines may also need to assess whether routes such as Dhaka-Bogra or Dhaka-Thakurgaon can operate profitably.
For now, idle airports revival remains a phased policy plan, with Bogra and Thakurgaon at the front of Bangladesh’s push to expand domestic air connectivity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 1, 2026
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