Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) over the last 100 days of the interim government witnessed a new wave of reform and renovation, promising a fresh chapter of dream for both local travellers and expatriates.
With a special focus on serving expatriates- the unsung heroes of Bangladesh's economic progress- the initiatives mark a turning point for airport facilities, passenger convenience, and overall service excellence.
Expatriate Lounge:
One of the most heartfelt initiatives has been the launch of the Probashi Lounge, a dedicated space at HSIA aimed at providing a comfortable and respectful service to incoming and outbound migrant workers.
Officially inaugurated by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, the lounge offers rest areas, subsidized meals, and improved travel support.
Inaugurating the lounge Prof. Yunus assured that the government remains committed to honouring the migrant workers' contribution.
He emphasized on upcoming initiatives, such as the introduction of e-passport for expatriates, a move designed to streamline the immigration process, reduce bureaucracy, and facilitate easier travel. The initiative has been widely praised by migrant workers and airport officials alike.
Chief Adviser also inaugurated a spacious and comfortable waiting lounge on the second floor of the multilevel car parking area at the airport, designed to enhance convenience for expatriates and their families.
The initiative aims to accommodate expatriate workers and their companions who often arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled flight time, particularly those travelling from remote areas of the country.
The new waiting lounge offers a range of amenities, including dedicated waiting areas, a baby care room, separate prayer spaces for men and women, and a reasonably-priced cafeteria.
Elevating Expatriate Welfare:
Civil Aviation Authority has asked all airport staffs to serve the esteem expatriate workers with utmost respect and sincerity. It asked the staffs to address the expatriates with 'Sir' and ensure a hassle free service for all.
Over 40 airlines, government ministries, and private organizations are involved with this transformation, said Bangladesh civil aviation authority (CAAB) chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan.
There is still work to be done to ensure the highest standards for our passengers, especially our expatriates, he said.
Luggage Delivery within One Hour:
HSIA's new measures ensured over 88 percent of luggage delivery within 15 to 55 minutes and appearing of the luggage on the conveyor belt within 18 minutes of a flight's arrival. This marks a dramatic reduction in waiting times, a chronic issue for travellers.
"Ensuring that passengers receive their luggage within a reasonable timeframe has been a major priority for us," HSIA's Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam said.
A testimony from the field:
Jahangir Alam, a returnee from Saudi Arabia shared his experience with BSS saying, the changes are tangible. After completing immigration, I found my luggage already on the belt."
In the past, we had to wait for hours for my luggage. Now, the process is much faster," he said.
Mahbub Hossain, a U.S. based Bangladeshi expatriate also echoed same sentiment, saying, "I was able to leave the airport in no time. It was a refreshing change from the delays and hassles which I had experienced during my past visits."
Enhanced Airport Security:
Another key focus for HSIA was enhancing airport security. Stricter measures, increased vigilance and advanced technology have all contributed to creating a safer and more secured travel environment.
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), in coordination with the existing Civil Aviation Authority's Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel, has made a notable contribution to enhancing security and facilitation services at the airport.
This collaboration aims to ensure full compliance with ICAO Annex 17 and Annex 9 standards, further boosting safety and efficiency.
Additionally, the immigration department has transitioned from a three-shift to a four-shift duty schedule, significantly improving the passenger experience for both arrivals and departures by reducing wait times and streamlining immigration procedures.
The airport has introduced 26 automated e-gates, streamlining immigration processes and significantly reducing passengers' waiting times.
"The automated e-gates are just one example of how we are modernizing our services to meet international standards," according to CAAB chairman.
More Innovations:
Beyond the expatriate lounge and luggage handling improvements, HSIA has introduced several other innovations designed to enhance passenger convenience and comfort.
One of the innovations is introducing a 24-hour hotline and new web portal to allow passengers to easily access assistance and resolve complaints by calling the 13600 hotline anytime. Up-to-date information is also available on the website.
Free Wi-Fi internet service has been introduced for passengers to stay connected, especially if they do not have a local SIM card, allowing communication through platforms like WhatsApp.
Ten free telephone booths have been set up to facilitate free calls and communication for passengers.
Commitment to Hygiene:
Steps were taken to ensure high standard of cleanness and hygiene among 450 personnel working in three shifts to keep the premises spotless. Mosquito control measures, including larvicide spraying and release of fish to manage larvae in water bodies, demonstrate HSIA's commitment to a hygienic and comfortable environment for travellers.
Looking to the Future:
As HSIA prepares for the future, including the expansion of Terminal 3 with 26 additional boarding bridges and other world-class facilities, there is a sense of optimism about what lies ahead.
"Our vision is to transform HSIA into a hub that not only meets but exceeds international standards," CAAB chairman said.
"We are proud of what we have achieved in these 100 days, but this is just the beginning. Our commitment to innovation and service excellence will continue to drive progress," he said.
