Lois Larson
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, formerly known as Dacca International Airport and Zia International Airport, is the largest airport in Bangladesh. Located in Kurmitola, 11 nautical miles (20.37 kilometres; 12.66 miles) north of downtown Dhaka, the airport is accessible by an eight-lane Airport Road and has an annual passenger handling capacity of 18.5 million. The airport features multiple lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes, prayer rooms, and transportation options such as taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services. With ongoing expansion and development plans, the airport aims to accommodate the growing number of passengers and enhance its facilities.
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What You'll Learn
- The airport is located in Kurmitola, 11 nautical miles north of Dhaka's city centre
- It is the largest and primary airport in Bangladesh, with a capacity of 18.5 million passengers annually
- The airport has two runways, one 3,200 metres long and the other 3,353 metres long
- Facilities include prayer rooms, lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes
- Transportation options include taxi, bus, train and ride-sharing services
The airport is located in Kurmitola, 11 nautical miles north of Dhaka's city centre
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is located in Kurmitola, 11 nautical miles north of Dhaka's city centre. It is the largest and primary airport in Bangladesh, with an annual passenger handling capacity of 18.5 million and over 190 daily international flights. The airport is accessible by an eight-lane Airport Road, and it takes about 50 minutes to reach the airport from the city centre by car, depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, there is a railway station, named Airport Railway Station, located immediately outside the airport.
Kurmitola is 17 kilometres or 11 miles from Dhaka's vibrant downtown centre. To get to the airport from central Dhaka, head north on Moghbazar and aim for the Mymensingh Highway, following the airport signs. The airport is well-connected to the city centre by road, and various transportation options are available, including taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
The airport has a rich history, evolving from 1980 to its current status. It was formerly known as Dacca International Airport and later as Zia International Airport before being renamed in honour of Shah Jalal, one of the most respected Sufi saints of Bangladesh. The IATA code "DAC" is derived from "Dacca", the previously used spelling for "Dhaka".
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has three terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 are for international arrivals and departures, while Terminal 3 (or D) is for domestic flights. The airport has multiple lounges operated by five-star hotels, Bangladeshi companies, and local and foreign airlines. Additionally, duty-free shopping, prayer rooms, restaurants, and cafes are available at the airport.
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It is the largest and primary airport in Bangladesh, with a capacity of 18.5 million passengers annually
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, located in Kurmitola, is the largest and primary airport in Bangladesh, with a capacity of 18.5 million passengers annually. The airport is situated 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) north of Dhaka's city centre. It is the primary hub for most airlines in Bangladesh, including Air Astra, Novoair, US-Bangla Airlines, and the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The airport has two runways, one 3,200 metres long and the other 3,353 metres long, capable of accommodating a wide range of aircraft, including large international jets.
The airport's history dates back to 1980, and it has undergone several name changes. Initially known as Dacca International Airport, it was later renamed Zia International Airport. In 2010, the government changed the name to Shahjalal International Airport, honouring Shah Jalal, a revered Sufi saint of Bangladesh. The IATA code "DAC" is derived from the previous spelling of Dhaka as "Dacca".
Shahjalal International Airport has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 serves international flights, while Terminal 2 caters to domestic flights. The airport offers various amenities, including shops, restaurants, currency exchange services, and car rental facilities. Several international and domestic airlines operate from Shahjalal International Airport, providing connections to destinations worldwide. Some major airlines using the airport include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
To accommodate the growing number of passengers and enhance facilities, expansion and development plans have been ongoing. As of September 2021, discussions and projects related to airport development were in progress. The airport has also invested in technology and instruments to improve operational standards, including an instrument landing system, distance-measuring equipment, and a flight calibration system. Additionally, improvements in the taxiway and runway lighting system are being funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) with a grant of ৳4.5 billion (US$37 million).
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The airport has two runways, one 3,200 metres long and the other 3,353 metres long
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, located in Kurmitola, 11 nautical miles (20.37 kilometres; 12.66 miles) north of downtown Dhaka, is the primary hub for most airlines in Bangladesh. The airport has two runways, one 3,200 metres long and the other 3,353 metres long. These runways can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including large international jets.
The length of a runway is an important consideration for airports, as it determines the types of aircraft that can be accommodated. Larger aircraft, including wide-body jets, typically require longer runways, with a length of at least 2,400 metres at sea level. For international widebody flights carrying more fuel, the landing requirement may increase to 3,200 metres or more, and the takeoff requirement to 4,000 metres. The Boeing 747, for example, typically requires a runway length of around 4,000 metres for takeoff.
The orientation of runways is also crucial. To mitigate the challenges and dangers of crosswind operations, runways are typically designed to align with the prevailing wind direction. This alignment allows aircraft to take off and land into the headwind, reducing the length of the runway used. Taking off and landing into the wind increases the relative airspeed of the aircraft, generating more lift and enabling shorter takeoff and landing distances.
The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport runways, at 3,200 and 3,353 metres, are well-equipped to handle a variety of aircraft, including large international jets. These runways likely exceed the length requirements for most common aircraft types and can facilitate safe and efficient operations for both inbound and outbound flights.
Over the years, there have been plans and projects for the expansion and development of the airport to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and improve overall facilities.
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Facilities include prayer rooms, lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has a wide range of facilities for passengers, including prayer rooms, lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and cafes. The airport, located in Kurmitola, just 17 kilometres from Dhaka's vibrant centre, is the largest and primary airport in Bangladesh.
The airport has separate prayer rooms for men and women on the second floor before immigration and on the third floor after immigration in Terminals 1 and 2. There are also prayer rooms in the concourse between the international and domestic terminals.
For those seeking a comfortable waiting experience, the airport offers several lounges. There are about six lounges in Terminals 1 and 2, and two in the Domestic Terminal. The airport also has three VIP lounges and one CIP lounge. Additionally, some of the lounges offer basic business facilities.
Duty-free shopping is available at the airport, providing a range of goods such as perfumes, cosmetics, chocolates, fashion items, and more. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets. The airport also has Halal-friendly, alcohol-free food courts and vegetarian options to cater to different dietary needs.
With these comprehensive facilities, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport ensures that passengers have a convenient and enjoyable experience during their time at the airport.
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Transportation options include taxi, bus, train and ride-sharing services
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, located in Kurmitola, is about 17 kilometres or 10.56 miles from Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital city. The airport is easily accessible via various transportation options, including taxis, buses, trains, and ride-sharing services.
Taxis are a convenient option for travellers, with a dedicated taxi kiosk located near the exit gate of the international arrivals concourse hall. Here, passengers can easily order a taxi and pre-pay for their fare. Additionally, travellers can opt for private taxi services, which offer airport transfers with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey to their destination.
For those who prefer public transportation, there are several bus lines serving the route between the airport and Dhaka's city centre, including surrounding areas. These bus services provide a cost-effective way to travel to and from the airport.
The airport also has a railway station conveniently located right outside, named the Airport Railway Station. This station connects the airport with the Kamalapur station, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. This rail option offers a quick and efficient way to get to and from the airport.
Lastly, ride-sharing services such as Obhai, Pathao, Shohoz, Uber, and Lyft are popular choices for travellers. These services provide a flexible and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis, allowing passengers to request rides through their smartphones.
With these diverse transportation options, passengers arriving at or departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport can easily choose the mode of transport that best suits their preferences, budget, and travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport's railway station is called Airport Railway Station or Biman Bondor Railway Station.
The airport is located about 17 to 20.37 kilometres from Dhaka's city centre.
The IATA code of the airport is "DAC", derived from "Dacca", the previously used spelling for "Dhaka".
The airport's annual passenger handling capacity is 18.5 million passengers.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has three terminals, two runways, customs and immigration facilities, and a variety of transportation options, including taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services. The airport also offers duty-free shopping, prayer rooms, and lounges.
