Bangladesh isn’t just about rivers, rice, and rickshaws — our skies are crisscrossed by airports that tell stories of colonial legacy, national growth, and future ambitions. In this post, we’ll explore how many active airports we have, our first “modern” airport, how Bangladesh’s main airport got its name changed, and whether there’s a city with six airports. Read on, share on, and fly high with facts!
How many active airports are there in Bangladesh?
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) oversees nine operational public airports — three international ones and six domestic ones. Wikipedia+3Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh+3Precision Logistics+3
- In addition to these, there are several STOL-ports (Short Take-Off and Landing) and smaller airstrips, some of which are not fully operational. Wikipedia+2zooFamily+2
What was the first modern airport?
- The term “first modern airport” can mean different things, but in Bangladesh’s aviation history, Tejgaon Airport, in Dhaka, holds a special place.
- During World War II, the British Raj built military airstrips around Dhaka (including Tejgaon). Tejgaon later functioned as the first major airfield used for civil aviation in what was then East Pakistan. Banglapedia+6Bangladesh.com+6World Airport Codes+6
- As traffic increased, Tejgaon proved too small to meet growing demands. Consequently, a new “modern” international airport was built in Kurmitola, and operations moved there in 1980-81, when Dhaka International Airport (later renamed) became the principal gateway. Wikipedia+4Banglapedia+4Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh+4
So one could argue the first modern international airport is the Kurmitola airport (opened around 1980), replacing older facilities like Tejgaon.
What is the new name of Bangladesh’s main airport?
- Dhaka’s main international airport has had several names over time:
- Dhaka International Airport (often referred to historically as Dacca International) World Airport Codes+2Wikipedia+2
- Then Zia International Airport Wikipedia+1
- Since 2010, it has been officially renamed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, in honour of the Sufi saint Shah Jalal. HSIA+2Wikipedia+2
- Important to note: although the name changed, the IATA code “DAC” (from “Dacca”) remains. Wikipedia+1
Which city has 6 airports?
- I did a deep scan — there is no city in Bangladesh with six active commercial airports. The largest urban centre, Dhaka, has one main international airport (Hazrat Shahjalal) plus some smaller strips or airfields (military, training), but it doesn’t have six public passenger airports.
- Sometimes people misinterpret “airports” to include STOL ports, military bases, or very small airstrips, which might inflate the count in local discussions. But by the standard definition (public/commercial/domestic + international), no city in Bangladesh has six airports.
Why these facts matter & what’s next
- Airports aren’t just infrastructure; they are gateways for tourism, trade, and national identity. Dhaka’s evolution from Tejgaon to Hazrat Shahjalal shows how Bangladesh has aimed to modernize in response to growing global connections.
- The name change reflects cultural and political identity: honoring local heritage (Shah Jalal), replacing colonial or post‐colonial names, etc.
- With plans underway to upgrade more airports (e.g. Cox’s Bazar) and possibly build new ones, the landscape is still changing. Our skies are expanding. Precision Logistics+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4
Share-worthy fact bites:
Airports count: 3 international + 6 domestic in active public service (not counting many smaller airstrips).
Did you know? Dhaka’s main airport started operating in Kurmitola in 1980, replacing the older Tejgaon facility.
Then vs Now: It started as “Dacca International”, then “Zia International”, and today it is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
