#thenewscompany : In an impressive display of resilience, Bangladesh has launched its first freighter flight from Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport to directly tackle India’s sudden suspension of third-country transshipment. Water cannons marked the departure of the inaugural flight, operated by Galistair Aviation using a chartered Airbus A330-300 freighter on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025.
Flight and Aircraft Details
Carrying 60 tonnes of readymade garments (RMG), the freighter took off towards Zaragoza, Spain, with a stopover in Dubai for refueling and adjustments. The Airbus A330-300 freighter, recognized for its efficiency, boasts a payload capacity of up to 65 tonnes. Ground-handling services for this operation were provided by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, ensuring streamlined processes.
Strategic Response to India’s Ban
This initiative comes as a direct response to India revoking a four-year arrangement allowing Bangladeshi goods to transit through airports like Kolkata and Delhi. The Commerce and Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser, Sk. Bashir Uddin, emphasized during the ceremony, “Today’s cargo operation has increased our cargo handling capacity and is pivotal in overcoming gaps in the country’s export facilities.” He further assured that the government is revising civil aviation and ground-handling tariffs to make air cargo services cheaper, even compared to previous transshipment costs through India.
Collaboration and Vision
Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico, M. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, shared a sentiment of self-reliance, stating, “From the soil of Sylhet, goods will now be sent directly to the global market. We are not dependent on anyone—we can, and we will shape our own future.” Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan echoed this optimism, while CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan announced plans to expand freighter operations to Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar airports soon.
Infrastructure Enhancements
Sylhet’s newly upgraded cargo terminal has already shown considerable handling capacity. Meanwhile, at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), additional manpower has been deployed at the cargo terminal in anticipation of the Third Terminal’s opening. This infrastructure upgrade is set to increase Bangladesh’s export capacity from 200,000 tonnes to 546,000 tonnes annually, including a dedicated cargo zone spanning 36,000 square meters.
A New Horizon for Bangladeshi Exports
Leading cargo handlers from Dhaka and members of Sylhet’s business community participated in the ceremony, underscoring the collaboration required for this groundbreaking achievement. The initiative not only mitigates current export challenges but also creates a more self-reliant and competitive export landscape for Bangladesh.
With this inaugural flight, Bangladesh takes a decisive step towards reshaping its export logistics, reaffirming its global presence amidst shifting regional dynamics. As two weekly freighter flights are slated to operate from Sylhet, increasing as demand grows, this moment signifies a promising new chapter in the nation’s export capabilities.
