Turkish firm to get priority for airport ground handling appointment: Aviation ministry
State Minister Millat also encouraged the company to submit a concept paper outlining proposals to improve passenger service standards at Bangladeshi airports.
Turkish aviation services company Çelebi Aviation will get priority in the appointment process for ground handling operations at Bangladesh's airports, the civil aviation ministry said today (12 May), as the country moves to boost service standards ahead of expanded operations of the Dhaka airport's third terminal.
The assurance came during a courtesy meeting at the ministry between Çelebi Aviation representatives and senior Bangladeshi officials led by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat.
According to a ministry press release, the Turkish company expressed strong interest in entering Bangladesh's ground handling sector to help improve airport service quality and operational efficiency. In response, the minister and state minister assured that Çelebi Aviation would receive priority in the appointment process.
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During the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam highlighted the government's broader aviation and tourism development plans, particularly the internationalisation of Cox's Bazar Airport, and invited the company to explore collaboration in airport ground handling services.
State Minister Millat also encouraged the company to submit a concept paper outlining proposals to improve passenger service standards at Bangladeshi airports.
Founded in 1958, Çelebi Aviation is a global aviation service provider offering ground handling, cargo handling and warehouse management services. The company operates at more than 60 airports worldwide and serves around 400 airline customers across countries including Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Kenya and Türkiye, according to its website.
The meeting was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen and Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter.
Officials from both sides expressed optimism about expanding Bangladesh–Türkiye cooperation under future public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives in aviation and tourism infrastructure development.
The development comes as Bangladesh accelerates preparations for expanded operations at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where enhanced ground handling capacity is expected to play a key role in improving passenger experience and international connectivity.
Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the sole ground handling operator at all airports across the country. Recently, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh chairman said a second ground handler would be appointed for the third terminal to increase competitiveness.
Earlier in late March, the United Kingdom also expressed interest in joining ground handling operations at the third terminal.
