Sylhet, Bangladesh: Although Sylhet Osmani International Airport has long held international airport status, it has not hosted regular operations by foreign airlines for several years. Despite the completion and ongoing implementation of multi-billion-taka infrastructure projects—including runway expansion, a modern cargo warehouse, a new terminal building, and other upgrades—the airport's full potential has yet to be utilized.
That situation is now expected to change. Responding to a long-standing demand from Sylhet residents, the government has initiated steps to allow foreign airlines to operate from Osmani International Airport. If everything proceeds as planned, several international carriers are expected to begin direct flights from Sylhet by the end of this year.
According to relevant sources, the introduction of foreign airline services will significantly improve direct air connectivity between Sylhet and several Middle Eastern destinations. The government is also considering launching direct flights to neighboring Indian states in the future, depending on the progress of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades Completed
Sources said that Osmani International Airport has undergone extensive modernization at a cost of several billion taka. The runway has been expanded, a modern cargo warehouse has been constructed, and work on a new passenger terminal and other facilities is ongoing.
Despite having the required international infrastructure, no foreign airline currently operates regular scheduled flights from the airport.
Current International Flights
At present, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates direct flights from Sylhet to London and Manchester in the United Kingdom, as well as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, sources said that US-Bangla Airlines plans to launch direct flights to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia beginning in August.
Flydubai Expected to Return
Dubai-based Flydubai was the first foreign airline to operate from Osmani International Airport, launching Sylhet-Dubai flights on April 1, 2015. Initially operating five flights a week, the airline later expanded to daily services due to strong passenger demand.
However, Flydubai suspended the route in September 2018 because of its own operational reasons.
Following the formation of the current BNP-led government, Flydubai has expressed renewed interest in resuming flights from Sylhet. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita told Parliament that the government would provide all necessary policy support for the airline's return.
Travel industry insiders believe Flydubai could restart operations from Sylhet by the end of this year.
Air Arabia and SalamAir Also Interested
Another UAE-based airline, Air Arabia, is also preparing to launch services on the Sylhet-Dubai route. Operations are expected to begin either later this year or early next year.
Meanwhile, Oman-based low-cost carrier SalamAir has expressed interest in operating direct flights between Sylhet and Muscat. The airline plans to launch the route on September 1, initially operating three flights per week.
Osmani International Airport Director Hafiz Ahmed said SalamAir has already shown interest in operating three weekly flights. Once launched, the service is expected to offer more affordable travel options for Sylhet's large expatriate community living in Oman.
Manchester Route Resumes
Last Sunday, Biman Bangladesh Airlines resumed its Sylhet-Manchester direct service. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir welcomed arriving passengers from Manchester at Osmani International Airport.
Speaking at a press conference held at the airport, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the government is committed to transforming Osmani International Airport into a fully functional international aviation hub.
He added that if relations with India continue to improve, direct flights between Sylhet and Guwahati could become a reality, with additional international routes also being considered. Such developments would strengthen regional connectivity, boost trade, and promote cultural exchange.
Travel Industry Welcomes the Initiative
Former Sylhet President of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), Abdul Jabbar Jalil, said the airport's full operational capacity has not yet been utilized.
He noted that Sylhet residents have long demanded foreign airline services, and the government's latest initiative would not only fulfill that demand but also greatly benefit the region's large expatriate population.
