Dhaka and Sylhet airports improve export services, offering lower handling costs
Bangladesh’s garment exports to Europe have remained stable despite India’s suspension of transshipment through its airports, as exporters swiftly adapted by rerouting shipments and taking advantage of upgraded local facilities.
Following India’s halt of the transshipment facility in April, most exporters began sending goods by sea from Chattogram port to Colombo, Sri Lanka. From there, garments are either transferred directly to Europe on large vessels or airlifted through Dubai when schedules are tight.
To strengthen export logistics, the government has installed an Explosive Detection System (EDS) at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet and repaired all four EDS units at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka. These upgrades, along with a reduction in ground-handling charges by five to six cents per kilogram, have significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Exporters report that pressure on Dhaka airport has eased as Sylhet now handles a growing share of export cargo. Sparrow Group’s Managing Director, Shovon Islam, noted that major international brands like Inditex have begun chartering planes from Sylhet, highlighting growing confidence in the airport’s new capabilities.
BGMEA Director Faisal Samad confirmed that current air cargo demand is moderate, as most buyers are shipping by sea. However, Colombo and Dubai have become key transshipment hubs, especially for urgent European and US-bound orders.
Before the suspension, exporters relied heavily on Indian airports — sending goods via Benapole to Kolkata and Delhi — due to limited screenin
BAFFA’s former president, Kabir Ahmed, said that screening facilities have since improved markedly in Dhaka and Sylhet, with three EDS machines regularly in operation at HSIA and explosive detection dogs enhancing security. Exporters, he added, no longer face delays in cargo clearance.
Airfreight rates now stand at around $2.80 per kilogram from Sylhet to Europe, rising to $3.80–$4.00 during peak months in Dhaka, compared to about $2.10–$2.20 (plus transport costs) via India. On average, 450 tonnes of dry cargo move daily from Dhaka and Sylhet during off-season, increasing to 1,200 tonnes at peak. A major European buyer praised Bangladesh’s swift response, noting that export capacity and reliability have improved significantly thanks to upgraded screening systems and new routes.
According to CAAB’s Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, screening charges for Europe-bound cargo may soon be cut from eight cents to six cents, while HSIA Executive Director Group Captain S M Ragib Samad assured that cargo flights will continue to receive priority handling, with additional measures planned for November and December’s busy export season.
In essence, Bangladesh’s garment exporters have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, transforming a logistical setback into an opportunity to modernize infrastructure, reduce costs, and diversify export channels — ensuring continued momentum in the nation’s largest export sector.
