Cox's Bazar International Airport planned to open in November: aviation minister

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said there is a plan to inaugurate Cox's Bazar International Airport next month. Preparatory work for the inauguration is under way, he said.

The minister made the remarks on Saturday (31 October) in Dhaka while speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2026.

He also said preparations were being made to hold a three-month Cox's Bazar Tourism Carnival from November under an initiative of the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. Such initiatives would help highlight the country's tourism potential internationally and establish Cox's Bazar as a more attractive destination, he said.

The minister said combined efforts and effective partnership between the public and private sectors were essential for the sustainable development and modernisation of Bangladesh's tourism industry and for strengthening its competitive position internationally. To that end, the government was working on tourism infrastructure development, investment-friendly policies, wider use of technology and improving the quality of tourism services, he said.

He said this year's fair, held under the theme 'AI Powered Tourism, Sustainable Destination', was very timely in the current global context. Tourism was no longer limited to travel and leisure; it had become an important means of economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange and improving international relations.

The minister said effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital platforms could make tourism management easier, faster and more efficient. Technology use needed to increase for destination management, tourist safety, waste management, environmental conservation and emergency services, which would improve the tourist experience as well as transparency, efficiency and international competitiveness in the sector.

Welcoming international partners, the minister said the Bangladesh government was committed to strengthening cooperation in the international tourism sector. Initiatives had been taken to develop aviation infrastructure, modernise digital services and ensure safe and smooth travel for international tourists. He invited foreign investors and tourism stakeholders to invest in Bangladesh's tourism sector and enjoy the country's natural beauty and hospitality.

The minister said the government was already working on an integrated tourism master plan covering 1,498 tourist attractions of different types. There was a plan to develop those destinations in phases on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis, and investment-friendly policies for private investors and stakeholders were being prepared. Private sector investment and active participation were essential for sustainable development of the sector, he noted.

On simplifying tour operator registration, the minister said the government would seriously consider the recommendations and proposals raised by tour operators for amending the existing registration rules. Initiatives would be taken to reduce the necessary fees to simplify registration, and the government would take necessary steps to make operators' professional work easier while protecting national interests and developing the tourism industry.

On special incentives for tour operators against income earned from abroad, he said the matter would be presented to important forums including the finance and planning ministries. Initiatives would be taken to review the relevant policies in view of the sector's foreign income earning potential.

The minister said the government's goal was to turn Bangladesh's tourism industry into a safe, sustainable, modern and international-standard industry. There was no alternative to mutual cooperation, partnership and a shared commitment between the public and private sectors, he said, calling on everyone concerned to work together to realise the sector's vast potential.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury and representatives of the ministry and the tourism sector were present at the ceremony.