Construction of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of passenger and cargo handling and will contribute to boosting Bangladesh's trade.

The new terminal is set to more than double the airport's annual passenger handling capacity – from eight million to over 20 million – and cargo capacity – from 200,000 tonnes to 500,000 tonnes.

The three-storey terminal building is being built on an area of 542,000 square metres, with a floor space of 230,000 square metres, 115 check-in counters, 64 departure and 64 arrival immigration desks.

The world-class terminal equipped with modern amenities will provide all services under a single roof, ensuring seamless operations and the comfort of passengers.

The import cargo complex will be 27,000 square metres, with a capacity of handling 273,470 tonnes per year.

The export cargo complex, with an area of 36,000 square metres, will have a capacity of 546,941 tonnes annually.

Besides, the parking space will accommodate 1,230 vehicles at a time.

The terminal will have 27 hold baggage x-ray screener machines, 11 body scanners, 25 central departure security screening, 12 boarding bridges, and 16 luggage belts.

AKM Maksudul Islam, project director of the third terminal, briefed a delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) about the features and amenities of the new terminal when they visited the site Thursday.

The delegation included BGMEA President Faruque Hassan; vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim and Miran Ali, Director Asif Ashraf and former director Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin).

High officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) were also present.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said trade and businesses are expanding in Bangladesh, so is the demand for international trade by air.

"Terminal-3, with advanced architecture and modern facilities, will help not only to boost trade but also augment the image of Bangladesh internationally," he added.