Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) Third Terminal: A Brief Overview

Authors: Sabrina Ahamed Hridita, Alphy Shaharin, Zinia Ferdousi Lamia, Md. Abid Shahriar, Mubasshir Bin Shahid, Simanto Das, Ilhan Abrar

Project Overview

The development of the third terminal is an expansion project of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), one of the largest aviation infrastructures in Bangladesh. The foundation stone of the construction was laid on 28 December, 2019. Famous architect of Singapore Rohani Baharin designed the third terminal (The Daily Star,2023) . The construction was undertaken  by Aviation Consortium Dhaka ( ADC) which comprises Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan), Fujita Corporation (Japan) and Samsung C&T Corporation (South Korea).(hsia.gov.bd) The project is funded by both the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The estimated cost of the project is 21300 crore taka and roughly 70% of the cost is covered by JICA in the form of a loan. The HSIA’s Third Terminal will feature a passenger terminal spanning approximately 226,000 square meters (2,430,000 square feet), complemented by a 5,900 square meter (64,000 square feet) VVIP complex. Additionally, it will include a 41,200 square meter (443,000 square feet) cargo facility and a multi-level car parking facility equipped with a tunnel. The terminal building is equipped with 115 check-in counters (including 15 self-service check-in counters), 66 desks for departure-immigration, and 59 desks for arrival-immigration, 26 boarding bridges and an advanced baggage handling system to enhance the overall passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Historical Context and Development

Uprising of transportation infrastructure supporting the rapidly growing economic activity, it was expected that the annual passengers of HSIA would exceed the airport capacity of 8 million annual passengers in 2020 and reach 20 million annual passengers in 2035.
The airport’s two earlier terminals, designed in 1964 and finished in the 1980s, has been unable to handle passengers and cargo for many years due to capacity constraints. Painful luggage waiting, immense wasting of time for car in parking lot, unavailability of taxi services, traffic congestion are common in the airport which has to handle 75% of all domestic and international flights.
The objective of the Project is to meet international standards of safety and security, and to provide sufficient facilities to cope with the future demand of air transportation at HSIA including construction of new passenger terminal (T3), cargo complex, suitable import-export facility, rescue and firefighting facility, car parking building, apron, taxiways, elevated access road, and development of related infrastructure etc., thereby to support further economic growth of Bangladesh.
Another significant purpose was to link Terminal-3 with Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Mass Rapid Transit; a network of roads to connect with the adjacent Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, providing seamless access for passengers and enhancing the Dhaka airport’s capacity to serve as a regional aviation hub.
Once fully completed, the new terminal will more than double Dhaka airport’s capacity to handle aircraft and increase annual passenger throughput from 8 million to 20 million, transforming it into a bustling center and increasing revenue.
To meet the goal, first revised development project proposal approved on December 10, 2019, for Tk21,399 crore. The construction contract was awarded to the Aviation Dhaka Consortium, which includes Japan’s Mitsubishi and Fujita, and South Korea’s Samsung, based on a design by internationally renowned architect Rohani Baharin, famous for development of ‘Changi Airport in Singapore

Construction Details

The construction of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal is a transformative project for Bangladesh’s aviation infrastructure, designed to meet the growing demands of air travel. Initiated in December 2019, the project is led by the Aviation Dhaka Consortium (ADC), which includes Mitsubishi Corporation, Fujita Corporation, and Samsung C&T. The estimated project cost is approximately $1.8 billion, with financing provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Bangladesh.       

Designed by Singaporean architect Rohani Baharin, the terminal spans 230,000 square meters, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. The new terminal includes 115 check-in counters, 64 immigration desks for arrivals and departures, 27 baggage scanners, and 12 boarding bridges (with an eventual plan for 26). Facilities also feature a 5,900-square-meter VVIP complex, a 41,200-square-meter cargo building, and a multi-level parking structure for over 1,300 vehicles. This terminal alone will allow parking for 37 aircraft simultaneously and double passenger handling capacity from 8 million to 20 million annually. Additionally, the cargo capacity will increase from 200,000 to 500,000 tonnes per year.

The project also includes two high-speed taxiways to reduce runway congestion and a connection to the existing terminals via a dedicated corridor. Advanced systems, including modern baggage handling and security equipment, are being integrated to ensure efficient operations. The terminal is expected to be fully completed by April 2024, with operations anticipated to start by October 2024, following the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) program.

Despite challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, construction work has progressed steadily. The pandemic briefly slowed activities, but robust planning and the mobilization of resources allowed the project to remain largely on schedule. With completion anticipated in 2025, the 3rd terminal will not only address immediate capacity issues but also position HSIA as a key player in South Asia’s aviation network.

This expansion represents a major milestone for Bangladesh, aiming to enhance passenger experiences, boost economic growth, and position the airport as a regional aviation hub. The third terminal’s soft opening occurred in October 2023, officiated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marking significant progress in the project.ort larger vessels, and create a foundation for resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, positioning Bangladesh as a stronger player in global trade and economic growth (Chowdhury, 2023).

Environmental Considerations

Before starting the construction of the third terminal, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted. The EIA process helped identify the potential effects on air quality, water resources, noise levels, local biodiversity, and the surrounding communities. This Project is an expansion project involving construction of new buildings. There is no land acquisition involved. There is no new runway construction or extension. During construction there was no impact on the land use outside the airport area, as all construction works will be carried out inside the airport. Thus, expected impacts are site specific, are reversible, and normal mitigation measures can be applied.

Construction activities often produce dust, which can harm air quality. However, in this case, the dust and re-suspended soil during construction did not result in significant impact on the air quality because dust control such as water sprinkling was done. Moreover, continuous air quality monitoring was done to keep track of pollutants in the air

Water pollution is a big factor in any construction activity. During construction, discharge of wastewater with content of suspended particles (from concrete production)/organic pollutants oil components from asphalt production/fuel/wasted oil etc.) from cleaning of equipment or discharged by accident can result in contamination of the water in the canals/ponds inside the airport. This impact is mitigated because turbid water treatment was done such as sedimentation and collection before discharge to the canals in the airport.  It is evaluated that the contamination will be local and not result in pollution of water outside the airport area because of the long residence time of the water inside the airport area resulting in:

          • Suspended particles of the water will be deposited on the bottom of the canals/ ponds.

          • Decomposition/degradation physical, chemical, and biological of the organic     pollutants, before the water leaves the airport.

It was evaluated that a part of the soil (and pavement) that is going to be excavated at/ near the aprons more or less contaminated with fuel. Contact with contaminated soil (pavement), can result in indisposition/impact on worker’s health, and depending on the concentration and composition of the contamination, have an impact on people/workers who stay in the contaminated area. However, this impact was possible to be mitigated because contaminated soil was kept isolated from non-contaminated soil and deposited separately.

Another big factor during construction is noise pollution. The impact of noise around the airport is mitigated because the propagation distance of the noise is ensured from construction site to boundary of the airport. Periodic maintenance of construction machinery is also done. Construction activities were planned to avoid high-noise operations during sensitive times, particularly near residential areas, to minimize disturbance to the local population. The project followed international environmental and sustainability guidelines, including those set by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Bank, which advocate sustainable airport development practices.

Challenges and Solutions

Engineering challenges and solutions:

There were thousands of engineering-related challenges during the construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). Despite all these challenges, the dream of constructing the iconic and spectacular three-story third terminal has now become a reality. The Third Terminal of HSIA consists of 180 columns each with the height of 24 meters supporting 0.23 million square area of the terminal.

 The challenges faced by the engineers, the engineers were supposed to carry out screw piling during the terminal’s construction, which failed in metro rail project. As a result, the refrained from doing so. Because it will increase the cost of the project nearly Tk 100 crore resulting the use of conventional piling method of Bangladesh, which saved Tk 700 crore in this project.

The biggest challenge of this project was that numerous service-related connections of Desco, BTCL, Titas Gas, and Roads and Highways were linked with the site of the third terminal project.

Two high-speed taxiways have been constructed under this project, connecting them with the lone runway of Dhaka airport. This will result in faster aircraft landings and take-offs.

Since area is an airport, it is bound to face problems related to shaking. To minimize the problems related to shaking the first and second slab was is composite slab and the roof of the top floor was constructed using truss structure. It also worked in aesthetic purpose.

Economic challenges and solutions:

The Third Terminal project is a Mega Project costing a lot of money. The third terminal project, with a total cost of Tk 21,300 crore, began on December 28, 2019. The government of Bangladesh contributed Tk 5,000 crore, while the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided the remaining funding.

The terminal is expected to double Dhaka Airport’s annual passenger and cargo handling capacity, transforming it into a significant regional aviation hub. The annual passenger handling capacity, including the old terminals, will increase to 24 million from the current 8 million, and the airport will be able to handle 500,000 tons of cargo annually.

The new terminal will have a profound economic impact on Bangladesh. It is expected to increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity from 8 million to over 20 million, while cargo capacity will expand from 200,000 tons to 500,000 tons. This growth is projected to drive revenue per passenger and significantly contribute to the country’s trade and commerce

Economic Impact

Community Impact
Economic Growth: The construction of the third terminal will act as entry points for people and goods, promoting commerce and tourism. It will also generate employment possibilities and draw in international investors. The airport’s yearly passenger handling capacity is anticipated to rise from 8 million to over 20 million, while its cargo capacity is anticipated to increase from 200,000 to 500,000 tons. Revenue per passenger is expected to rise as a result of this expansion, which will also greatly boost trade and commerce in the nation.
Global Connectivity and Tourism: In order to accommodate more travelers, a modernized terminal usually encourages the expansion of hotels, resorts, and dining establishments. Better tourist amenities, such as well-organized tourist information centers and better public transportation, can improve the overall travel experience and draw more return visitors and positive reviews for Bangladesh.
Improvement of Passenger Experience: The airport can accommodate more passengers and flights thanks to the third terminal’s significant capacity addition. This extension eases congestion at the existing terminals, resulting in shorter wait times for check-in, security, and boarding. Additionally. modern baggage handling equipment at the terminal cuts down on processing times and lowers the possibility of delayed or misplaced bags.
Improvement in International Relations: Bangladesh’s foreign trade could undergo a significant transformation thanks to the fully automated export and import cargo complex with increased capacity. Business executives are optimistic that this enhanced capacity would boost local industries’ competitiveness on a global scale and boost foreign partners’ trust. Furthermore, a number of international airlines have expressed interest in starting flights out of the recently renovated facility.
Enhanced Cargo Facilities: Customers have long voiced their displeasure with the little cargo village’s thefts, abandoned goods, declining product quality, and delayed product releases. But once the cargo village starts operating fully, those problems and mishaps could ultimately be over. Currently, the two terminals have 13,700 square meters devoted to handling imported freight, and the third will add 27,000 square meters. The third terminal would increase the handling capacity by 2.73 lakh tons, while the first two terminals have a capacity of 84,379 tons.
Inequality and Gentrification: Economic benefits from the new terminal are anticipated, but if they are not shared equally, there may be a risk of social inequality. Without sufficient compensation, low-income families in the area may be forced to relocate or face higher living expenses. Wealthier people may move into the region as a result of the development, causing gentrification, which could drive out long-time inhabitants and increase property values. The community’s social fabric may shift as a result of this.

Employment Opportunities
The third terminal has the potential to create an extensive amount of jobs. It is projected to generate more than 5,000 jobs during the construction phase alone. Once it is up and running, it will continue to boost economic growth by adding thousands of employment in a variety of industries. The following highlights a few civil engineering-related careers.
Maintenance Engineer: Inspecting, performing, or overseeing preventative maintenance, repairs, and modifications to aircraft and aircraft systems are the duties of aircraft maintenance technicians.
Structural Integrity Inspector: Monitoring the terminals’ structural integrity, paying special attention to the soundness of the foundations, load-bearing components, and other important structures to avoid any long-term problems.
Environment Compliance Officer: Ensuring that environmental regulations are followed in the airport’s activities. This entails keeping an eye on how airport operations affect the environment and making recommendations for ways to reduce any negative consequences.
Quality Control Engineer: Carrying out quality tests to guarantee that every part of the civil infrastructure keeps up with the necessary requirements. This includes routine inspections of the craftsmanship and supplies.
Aeronautical Engineer: Concentrating on technical assistance, maintenance supervision, and maximizing the integration of aviation technologies in order to guarantee the safe and effective operation of aircraft within the new terminal.

Future Prospects

After completion, the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is expected to increase the airport’s annual passenger dealing capacity from 8 million to 20 million. Furthermore, its cargo handling capacity will rise significantly from 200,000 tonnes to 500,000 tonnes per year.(hsia.gov.bd) The third terminal will play an important role in building  the future of Bngladesh’s aviation industry. It is the forward movement of Dhaka City to enhance its status as a regional hub of aviation. The integration of automated systems for security and immigration checks, which will make passenger processing easier and improve efficiency. The implementation of self-service check-in, automated baggage handling systems, and e-gates for immigration will decrease waiting times and enhance passenger satisfaction. The third terminal is not only a part of HSIA’s expansion but also the key to drive the economic growth of Bangladesh by increasing connectivity.

Community Impact

Economic Growth: The construction of the third terminal will act as entry points for people and goods, promoting commerce and tourism. It will also generate employment possibilities and draw in international investors. The airport’s yearly passenger handling capacity is anticipated to rise from 8 million to over 20 million, while its cargo capacity is anticipated to increase from 200,000 to 500,000 tons. Revenue per passenger is expected to rise as a result of this expansion, which will also greatly boost trade and commerce in the nation.

Global Connectivity and Tourism: In order to accommodate more travelers, a modernized terminal usually encourages the expansion of hotels, resorts, and dining establishments. Better tourist amenities, such as well-organized tourist information centers and better public transportation, can improve the overall travel experience and draw more return visitors and positive reviews for Bangladesh.

Improvement of Passenger Experience: The airport can accommodate more passengers and flights thanks to the third terminal’s significant capacity addition. This extension eases congestion at the existing terminals, resulting in shorter wait times for check-in, security, and boarding. Additionally. modern baggage handling equipment at the terminal cuts down on processing times and lowers the possibility of delayed or misplaced bags.

Improvement in International Relations: Bangladesh’s foreign trade could undergo a significant transformation thanks to the fully automated export and import cargo complex with increased capacity. Business executives are optimistic that this enhanced capacity would boost local industries’ competitiveness on a global scale and boost foreign partners’ trust. Furthermore, a number of international airlines have expressed interest in starting flights out of the recently renovated facility.

Enhanced Cargo Facilities: Customers have long voiced their displeasure with the little cargo village’s thefts, abandoned goods, declining product quality, and delayed product releases. But once the cargo village starts operating fully, those problems and mishaps could ultimately be over. Currently, the two terminals have 13,700 square meters devoted to handling imported freight, and the third will add 27,000 square meters. The third terminal would increase the handling capacity by 2.73 lakh tons, while the first two terminals have a capacity of 84,379 tons.

Inequality and Gentrification: Economic benefits from the new terminal are anticipated, but if they are not shared equally, there may be a risk of social inequality. Without sufficient compensation, low-income families in the area may be forced to relocate or face higher living expenses. Wealthier people may move into the region as a result of the development, causing gentrification, which could drive out long-time inhabitants and increase property values. The community’s social fabric may shift as a result of this.

Employment Opportunities

The third terminal has the potential to create an extensive amount of jobs. It is projected to generate more than 5,000 jobs during the construction phase alone. Once it is up and running, it will continue to boost economic growth by adding thousands of employment in a variety of industries. The following highlights a few civil engineering-related careers.

  • Maintenance Engineer: Inspecting, performing, or overseeing preventative maintenance, repairs, and modifications to aircraft and aircraft systems are the duties of aircraft maintenance technicians.
  • Structural Integrity Inspector: Monitoring the terminals’ structural integrity, paying special attention to the soundness of the foundations, load-bearing components, and other important structures to avoid any long-term problems.
  • Environment Compliance Officer: Ensuring that environmental regulations are followed in the airport’s activities. This entails keeping an eye on how airport operations affect the environment and making recommendations for ways to reduce any negative consequences.
  • Quality Control Engineer: Carrying out quality tests to guarantee that every part of the civil infrastructure keeps up with the necessary requirements. This includes routine inspections of the craftsmanship and supplies.
  • Aeronautical Engineer: Concentrating on technical assistance, maintenance supervision, and maximizing the integration of aviation technologies in order to guarantee the safe and effective operation of aircraft within the new terminal.

Employment Opportunities

The Matarbari Deep Sea Port project is poised to significantly impact the local community in Maheshkhali and surrounding areas, especially through job creation and infrastructure development. Given the scale and long-term nature of the project, these effects are expected to be transformative for both the economy and the daily lives of residents. The port development and the related projects—such as the Matarbari coal-based power plant—are expected to generate a significant number of direct and indirect jobs in the following areas:

Construction Jobs: During the construction phase, which spans several years, thousands of workers will be required for various tasks such as building port infrastructure, roads, bridges, and terminals. This will include skilled workers, laborers, engineers, and project managers.

Port Operations: Once operational, the port will require staff for day-to-day management, including port handlers, customs officers, security personnel, administrative staff, and management roles. These jobs will support long-term employment for residents.

Power Plant Employment: The nearby coal-based power plant also offers a substantial number of jobs for the local community. It will require a workforce for plant operation, maintenance, logistics, and environmental monitoring.

Indirect Employment: In addition to direct jobs at the port and power plant, the project will stimulate demand for supporting industries. This includes local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and construction material suppliers, further boosting employment in the region (Islam, 2023).

References

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Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). (n.d.). Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). [online] Available at: https://www.hsia.gov.bd/content-details/4/Future-Expansion [Accessed 23 Nov. 2023].

The Daily Star. (2023). The Daily Star. [online] Available at: https://www.thedailystar.net/nrb/departure-arrival/airlines-more/news/japanese-firm-will-run-hsia-3rd-terminal-3369941 [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].

Revised EIA for HSIA Expansion Project REVISED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) HAZRAT SHAHJALAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (HSIA) EXPANSION PROJECT (PHASE 1) Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB) Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism APRIL 2022 Prepared By NOCD -JV of Nippon Koei, Oriental, CPG and DDC (Design and Construction Supervision Consultant). (n.d.). Available at: https://www.nexi.go.jp/environment/info/pdf/202406060384_01.pdf [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].

CR(5) 4R 17-018 CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY, BANGLADESH MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION AND TOURISM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH PREPARATORY SURVEY FOR DHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSION PROJECT FINAL REPORT. (2017). Available at: https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12289229_01.pdf [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].

www.airport-technology.com. (n.d.). Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion, Dhaka -. [online] Available at: https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/hazrat-shahjalal-international-airport-expansion-dhaka/

The Daily Star. (2023). The boons promised by the Third Terminal. [online] Available at: https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/the-boons-promised-the-third-terminal-3437861.

diplomats (2023). Sky High Ambitions: HSIA’s 3rd Terminal and Bangladesh’s Aviation Odyssey – Diplomats News. [online] Diplomats News – My WordPress Blog. Available at: https://diplomats.news/archives/1222 [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].

‌ Arman, A.I. (2023). Dhaka Airport Third Terminal : Transforming Bangladesh’s Aviation. [online] dhakapost.com. Available at: https://en.dhakapost.com/national/2484 [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].

Indeed Career Guide. (n.d.). List of Airport Jobs for Every Experience Level. [online] Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/list-of-airport-jobs. ‌ www.airport-technology.com. (n.d.). Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion, Dhaka -. [online] Available at: https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/hazrat-shahjalal-international-airport-expansion-dhaka

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