Higher-ups of top airlines criticised Biman yesterday for its poor ground handling services at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport during a roundtable discussion.

They called for the abolition of Biman's monopoly and the allocation of the HSIA third terminal to multiple companies through an open tender.

Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh organised the discussion, titled "Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport: Opportunities and Challenges", at a city hotel.

Dilara Hossain, chairman of Airlines Operators Committee, said current operation costs of foreign airlines are very high compared to neighbouring countries. The current ground handling agency charges are also very high compared to other airports. "As a result, ticket prices also increase," she added.

While presenting the keynote paper, Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman said, "Biman can be given the responsibility of the ground handling operations of the third terminal if it considered eligible compared to other operators."

He questioned how the Tk 7,000 crore third terminal project escalated to Tk 22,000 crore in just a few years, eventually reaching Tk 25,000 crore, insinuating possible corruption.

"The second terminal of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru came into full operation in 2022 at a cost of only Tk 7,000 crore and the area of this terminal is three times bigger than the HSIA third terminal," he said.

He also stressed the need for the construction of a second runway to tap into the prospect of the third terminal.

In response to dissatisfaction, Civil Aviation Adviser AF Hassan Ariff said the government is evaluating Biman's capacity for ground handling.

He said the ministry will sit with all stakeholders to hear their concerns about appointing Biman as the ground handling service provider and will work accordingly.

Ariff also noted that the third terminal is expected to become operational within a year.

Ariff emphasised that measures are being taken to address customer complaints about ticketing and service quality, ensuring accountability through transparent oversight.

Aviation expert and former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam also lambasted Biman and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh for their failure in ensuring quality services at HSIA.

Air Vice Marshal Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman, CAAB, reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing airport facilities.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar; Imran Asif, CEO of Air Astra; Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, Member (Operations and Planning), CAAB; Group Captain Kamrul Islam, Executive Director, HSIA; Suhed Ahmed Chowdhury, Cargo Manager, Qatar Airways and KM  Mozibul Hoque, chairman, Shah Group, also spoke among others.