The government has officially declared Cox's Bazar Airport as an international airport, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's aviation and tourism development.

A gazette notification, signed by Joint Secretary Ahmed Jamil on Sunday and issued by order of the President, formally declared the facility as Cox's Bazar International Airport under Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 16 of the Civil Aviation Rules, 1984. 

The order came into immediate effect in the public interest, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry said here today.

Officials said international flight operations from Cox's Bazar will begin later this month on a limited scale as part of a "soft launch," with the full range of services to follow upon completion of ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

The National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has already planned to operate its maiden international service on the Cox's Bazar-Kolkata-Cox's Bazar route via Dhaka, opening a new chapter in regional connectivity and tourism promotion, Biman's official said.
 
"The declaration of Cox's Bazar as an international airport is a major step toward transforming the district into a global tourism hub," a senior official at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) told BSS.

"The airport's operational readiness will significantly strengthen air connectivity and enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in the South Asian travel market," he added.
 
Launched in 2021, the upgradation project aims to transform Cox's Bazar into a full-fledged international gateway with modern facilities. 

A separate runway expansion project, extending the existing 6,775-foot airstrip to 9,000 feet to accommodate wide-body aircraft, is progressing steadily and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

Cox's Bazar International Airport became Bangladesh's fourth international airport, after Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Osmani International Airport in Sylhet and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.

Officials believe the new facility will not only attract international tourists to the country's premier beach destination but also facilitate exports of perishable goods, create new business opportunities, and boost 
local employment.

Civil Aviation and Tourism authorities said the government remains committed to positioning Cox's Bazar as a major regional aviation hub in line with its long-term vision for sustainable tourism growth and economic development.