Shahjalal Airport Terminal 3 Rules 2026: Opening Date, e-Gates, Kiosks & Boarding
The opening of Terminal 3 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) marks a revolutionary paradigm shift in Bangladesh's civil aviation history. Designed by world-renowned architect Rohani Baharin and constructed by the Aviation Dhaka Consortium (ADC), this 230,000 square meter ultra-modern facility triples the airport's annual passenger handling capacity from 8 million to over 24 million travelers, integrating state-of-the-art Japanese automated ground handling, biometric border controls, and multimodal transit connections.
π 16 Core Sections in This Master Guide
- 01. Background & Architectural Profile
- 02. Commercial Opening Timeline & Progress
- 03. Japanese Consortium Ground Operations
- 04. 3-Level Terminal Layout & Operation Map
- 05. Self-Service Kiosks & Automated Check-In
- 06. Biometric e-Gates & Fast-Track Immigration
- 07. Passenger Boarding & 26 Modern Aerobridges
- 08. Automated Baggage System & 16 Belts
- 09. Airline Shifting Schedule & Fleet Movement
- 10. Transit Facilities, Capsule Pods & Lounges
- 11. Probashi Welfare Lounge for Migrant Workers
- 12. Customs Clearance, Green & Red Channels
- 13. Multimodal Links: Metro Rail & Expressway
- 14. Duty-Free Shopping & Dining Concourse
- 15. Elderly & Disabled Passenger Accessibility
- 16. Aviation Safety & First-Time Travel Checklist
1. Project Background, Architectural Design & Capacity Expansion
Constructed with long-term concessionary financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at an overall investment exceeding 21,300 crore BDT, Terminal 3 spans an unprecedented built-up floor footprint of 230,000 square meters. The structure features world-class high-span architectural glass curtain walls imported from Japan and Europe, dramatic curved aerofoil ceiling trusses engineered to optimize acoustic dampening and natural daylight distribution, and advanced eco-friendly rainwater harvesting and solar energy microgrids, conclusively positioning Dhaka as an elite, competitive regional aviation transit gateway in South Asia.
2. Commercial Operations Launch & Phased Airline Migration Timeline
Following soft launching and extensive trials involving thousands of dummy passenger movements, simulated baggage handling drills, and IT calibration, full commercial operations are being rolled out under a structured phased model:
Phase 1: Full-Service Flag Carriers
Migration of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines international long-haul flights.
Phase 2: Regional & Budget Carriers
Migration of Flydubai, Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways, US-Bangla, AirAsia, and regional international routes.
3. Japanese Management Consortium & World-Class Ground Handling
To break decades of baggage handling delays, luggage pilferage, and customer service grievances at legacy terminals, the Government of Bangladesh entered into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) operation agreement with an experienced Japanese consortium (comprising Japan Airport Terminal Co., Narita International Airport Corporation, and JALUX). Japanese ground operations introduce computerized tarmac logistics, baggage barcode tracking, and rigorous operational efficiency standards.
4. Three-Tier Terminal Layout & Operational Flow Architecture
Floor-by-Floor Navigational Breakdown
Level 1 (Ground Floor) - Arrivals & Baggage Reclaim
Houses the vast immigration arrival hall, 16 automated baggage claim carousels, customs Green/Red channels, foreign currency exchange banks, local SIM kiosks, and ground transport pick-up curbsides.
Level 2 (First Floor) - Passenger Departures & Security
Features 115 check-in counters, 54 automated self-service check-in kiosks, 64 automated biometric e-Gates, central security X-ray checkpoints, and access to the 26 aerobridge departure gates.
Level 3 (Second Floor) - Airline Lounges & Transit Concourse
Dedicated to business and first-class airline lounges, the Probashi Welfare Lounge, transit capsule sleeping pods, prayer halls, and duty-free retail and dining concourses.
5. Automated Self-Service Kiosks & Automated Bag Drop Rules
4 Simple Steps to Complete Self-Check-In in Under 3 Minutes
- Step 1: Scan Passport: Place your passport bio-data page face down onto the kiosk optical scanner.
- Step 2: Confirm Booking & Seat: Verify your flight reservation on the touchscreen and choose your preferred seat.
- Step 3: Print Boarding Pass & Bag Tags: The kiosk prints your official boarding pass and self-adhesive luggage barcode tags.
- Step 4: Automated Bag Drop: Fasten the tags to your suitcase handles and place the bags onto the automated conveyor belt.
6. Biometric e-Gates & Fast-Track Digital Immigration
Terminal 3 is outfitted with 64 automated biometric e-Gates (32 for departures and 32 for arrivals). Passengers holding Bangladeshi e-Passports scan their passport chip at the first barrier, step inside the glass pod, and complete automated facial recognition and fingerprint verification in under 18 seconds, bypassing manual immigration queues completely.
7. Passenger Boarding Operations & 26 Modern Aerobridges
Legacy Terminals 1 and 2 relied heavily on tarmac passenger buses. Terminal 3 introduces 26 dual-tunnel climate-controlled glass aerobridges capable of docking all modern wide-body commercial aircraft (Boeing 777-300ER, 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A350), allowing direct, seamless boarding directly from gate lounges.
8. High-Speed Automated Baggage Handling & 16 Claim Carousels
The terminal features a 7-kilometer high-speed automated baggage handling system (BHS) equipped with multi-level computerized explosive detection tomography. Luggage is automatically routed from aircraft holds to 16 arrivals carousels within 20 to 30 minutes of landing.
3 Immediate Actions If Your Luggage is Delayed or Damaged
- Report to the centralized Lost & Found counter in the arrivals hall before crossing customs.
- Present your boarding pass and baggage claim sticker to file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).
- Obtain your 10-character reference tracking code to monitor delivery progress online.
9. Airline Migration Timetable & Terminal Reallocation Schedule
During the transition period, passengers must carefully verify the departure terminal printed on their e-ticket receipts. Flights departing from Terminal 3 have separate vehicular access ramps and passenger drop-off lanes distinct from legacy Terminals 1 and 2.
10. International Transit Facilities, Capsule Sleeping Pods & Day Rooms
Transit passengers with layovers exceeding 4 to 8 hours can access soundproof capsule sleeping pods, short-stay day rooms, clean shower suites, and quiet relaxation lounges inside the airside departure concourse without clearing Bangladesh customs or immigration.
11. Probashi Welfare Lounge: Dedicated Services for Migrant Workers
Privileges Available to Outbound Workers Holding BMET Smart Cards
Operated by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB), the dedicated Probashi Lounge provides:
- Complimentary hot tea, coffee, drinking water, and subsidized snacks.
- Comfortable air-conditioned lounge seating with smartphone charging docks and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
- 24/7 welfare officer assistance for completing departure cards, finding gates, and resolving emergency ticket issues.
12. Customs Clearance, Green Channel & Luggage Scanning Standards
Terminal 3 customs inspection utilizes non-intrusive dual-energy artificial intelligence X-ray scanners. Passengers carrying personal clothing and items within legal limits (under 100g gold ornaments, up to 2 used phones, TV under 29") walk freely through the Green Channel. Dutiable items (gold bars, TV over 30") must be declared at the Red Channel.
13. Multimodal Transport Connections: Metro Rail & Elevated Expressway
Terminal 3 is directly connected to Dhaka's major mass transit networks:
MRT Line-6 Metro Link
An underground climate-controlled pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways connects the arrivals hall directly to the Airport Metro Station.
Dhaka Elevated Expressway
Direct on-ramps and off-ramps allow private cars, taxis, and airport shuttles to reach downtown Dhaka in under 20 minutes.
14. Duty-Free Retail Concourse, Global Dining & Prayer Facilities
The departure concourse features international duty-free retail boutiques, global restaurant chains, coffee cafes, 24-hour pharmacies, and spacious soundproof Muslim prayer halls (separate for men and women) with dedicated ablution facilities.
15. Accessibility for Elderly Travelers & Passengers with Disabilities
Terminal 3 is 100% barrier-free: equipped with wide tactile floor pathways, wheelchair-accessible elevators, dedicated low-height check-in counters, and electric passenger buggies transporting elderly travelers from check-in directly to boarding gates.
16. Aviation Safety & Golden Pre-Flight Departure Checklist
- Arrive 4 Hours Early: Terminal 3 is vast; allocate sufficient time to navigate security and gate concourses.
- Verify Departure Terminal: Check your ticket confirmation to ensure your flight departs from Terminal 3, not Terminals 1 or 2.
- Prepare Biometric e-Passports: Keep passport bio-data pages clean and unbent for seamless e-Gate scanning.
- Keep Power Banks in Hand Bags: Never pack power banks or lithium-ion batteries in checked suitcases.
- Respect Luggage Weight Limits: Weigh bags at home to avoid expensive counter excess baggage fees.
- Organize Travel Documents: Keep passport, visa, BMET smart card, and boarding pass in a transparent folder.
- Utilize Free Welfare Lounges: Migrant workers holding BMET cards should relax in the dedicated Probashi Lounge.
- Liquid Rules Compliance: Ensure all liquids in cabin bags are in containers of 100ml or less.
- Verify Boarding Gate on FIDS: Check digital display screens for gate changes immediately after clearing immigration.
- Report to Gate 45 Minutes Prior: Aircraft boarding gates close strictly 15 to 20 minutes before scheduled takeoff.
Terminal 3 Master Airline Migration Timetable & Concourse Allocation
| Airline Carrier | Migration Phase | Primary Fleet Operated | Designated Check-In Row | Aerobridge Gates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biman Bangladesh Airlines | Phase 1 (Day 1 Launch) | Boeing 787-8/9, 777-300ER | Row A & Row B (Counters 01β24) | Gates 01 to 08 |
| Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) | Phase 1 (Week 2) | Boeing 777-300ER, 787-10 | Row C (Counters 25β36) | Gates 09 to 12 |
| Emirates | Phase 1 (Week 2) | Boeing 777-300ER | Row D (Counters 37β48) | Gates 13 to 16 |
| Qatar Airways | Phase 1 (Week 3) | Airbus A350-900/1000, 787-8 | Row E (Counters 49β60) | Gates 17 to 20 |
| Singapore Airlines | Phase 1 (Week 3) | Airbus A350-900 | Row F (Counters 61β70) | Gates 21 to 22 |
| Turkish Airlines | Phase 1 (Week 4) | Airbus A330-300, 787-9 | Row F (Counters 71β80) | Gates 23 to 24 |
| Kuwait Airways / Gulf Air | Phase 1 (Week 4) | Boeing 777-300ER, 787-9 | Row G (Counters 81β92) | Gates 25 to 26 |
| Flydubai & Air Arabia | Phase 2 (Month 2) | Boeing 737 MAX 8, Airbus A320 | Row H (Counters 93β104) | Tarmac & Gates 01β06 |
| US-Bangla & AirAsia | Phase 2 (Month 2) | Airbus A330-300, A320, 737-800 | Row J (Counters 105β115) | Gates 07 to 10 |
Terminal 3 Customs Baggage Duty & Green Channel Allowances Matrix 2026
| Item Category | Duty-Free Allowance | Customs Duty Rate if Exceeded | Channel to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Ornaments (Jewelry) | Up to 100 grams (max 12 pcs per design) | Excess seized or taxed at commercial rates | Green Channel (if within 100g) |
| Gold Bullion / Bars | Zero duty-free allowance | 40,000 BDT per tola (up to 116.64g) | Red Channel (Mandatory Declaration) |
| Silver Ornaments | Up to 200 grams | Standard NBR tariff | Green Channel |
| Mobile Smartphones | 2 used handsets duty-free | 3rd new boxed phone taxed at ~57% duty | Red Channel (for 3rd handset) |
| Laptops & Tablets | 1 used laptop + 1 tablet | Second unit assessed under commercial IT duties | Green Channel (single unit) |
| LED / LCD Television | Up to 29-inch screen size | 30"-39" = 10,000 BDT; 40"-49" = 20,000 BDT | Red Channel (if 30 inches or larger) |
17. Deep Technical Specifications of the Terminal 3 Engineering Ecosystem
The physical infrastructure of Terminal 3 represents state-of-the-art Japanese civil aviation engineering:
Runway & Rapid-Exit Taxiways
To eliminate runway congestion where landing planes previously occupied the single runway for minutes, Terminal 3 integrates two high-speed rapid-exit taxiways, allowing arriving aircraft to vacate the runway at 50 knots, boosting peak aircraft movement capacity from 18 to over 35 flights per hour.
Multi-Level Automated Parking Structure
Adjacent to the terminal sits a massive three-story automated parking garage accommodating over 1,230 vehicles simultaneously. Equipped with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, electronic parking space indicators, and electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging bays.
Modern Fire Fighting & Tarmac Safety
Compliant with ICAO Category 9 airport emergency response standards, Terminal 3 features specialized crash fire tenders, computerized underground hydrant fueling systems directly connected to aircraft parking stands, and dedicated apron drainage oil interceptors.
Energy Efficiency & Solar Microgrid
The curved roof structure features integrated photovoltaic solar panels generating renewable electricity for terminal air conditioning chillers, combined with intelligent LED lighting sensor systems that dim in response to ambient daytime illumination.
18. Complete Step-by-Step Passenger Departure Journey Inside Terminal 3
To ensure first-time international travelers and migrant workers navigate the massive 230,000 sqm terminal without stress, follow this sequential 7-stage walkthrough:
Stage 1: Curbside Arrival & Terminal Entry Security
Arrive at Level 2 (Departures Viaduct). Entry doors are clearly categorized by airline alliances and flight destinations. Security personnel stationed at entry vestibules inspect your passport bio-data and printed or digital ticket confirmation. Hand luggage undergoes preliminary explosive trace detection (ETD) and non-intrusive body screening before you enter the main check-in concourse.
Stage 2: Check-In Concourse Navigation & Luggage Induction
Check the Flight Information Display Screens (FIDS) to identify your assigned check-in island (Rows A through J). If you hold an e-Passport, approach one of the 54 self-service kiosks to print boarding passes and baggage tags, proceeding to the automated self-bag-drop lanes. If flying on a work visa requiring BMET document verification or carrying oversized baggage, queue at the staffed airline counter where agents weigh suitcases, verify visas, and attach luggage tags.
Stage 3: Emigration Border Control (Biometric e-Gates vs Manual Desks)
Proceed past the check-in hall toward Passport Control. Bangladeshi e-Passport holders scan their passport chip at the automated e-Gates, look directly into the camera lens for facial biometric matching, and clear emigration in 18 seconds. Expatriate workers holding manual MRP passports or traveling abroad for the first time queue at staffed Special Immigration Desks where immigration officers review BMET cards, employment contracts, and visas before placing an exit departure stamp.
Stage 4: Central Security Screening & Body Scanners
Immediately following border control, passengers undergo centralized civil aviation security screening. Place cabin baggage, jackets, belts, laptops, smartphones, and transparent 1-liter ziplock liquid bags into automated smart conveyor trays. Walk through advanced millimeter-wave full-body scanners that detect metallic and non-metallic concealed threats without invasive physical pat-downs.
Stage 5: Airside Concourse, Duty-Free & Expatriate Welfare Lounges
Once cleared through security, you enter the expansive duty-free retail, dining, and relaxation concourse. Migrant workers heading to Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian employment hubs can access the subsidized Probashi Lounge to enjoy complimentary refreshments, clean seating, and free Wi-Fi while charging mobile devices.
Stage 6: Gate Concourse Arrival & Boarding Announcement
Follow directional signage toward your designated boarding gate (Gates 01 to 26). Gate lounges open 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Verify your flight number on the gate display monitor. Boarding is called sequentially by zones or rows: passengers needing wheelchair assistance board first, followed by business class travelers, and economy passengers seated in rear rows moving forward.
Stage 7: Aerobridge Jetway Embarkation
Present your boarding pass and passport to airline ground staff at the gate podium scanner. Walk through the climate-controlled glass aerobridge directly onto the aircraft threshold, where cabin crew welcome you aboard and guide you to your assigned seat and overhead luggage compartment.
19. Arriving International Passengers: Inbound Immigration & Baggage Reclamation
For returning expatriate workers, foreign business investors, and tourists touching down at Dhaka Airport, Terminal 3 eliminates historical arrival bottlenecks through this streamlined 5-step process:
Step 1: Aerobridge Debarkation & Arrival Corridor
Exit the aircraft directly into the elevated glass arrival corridor on Level 2. Follow directional signage toward Arrivals & Immigration. Long concourses are equipped with automated moving walkways (travelators) to ease foot transit for weary passengers arriving after long-haul flights.
Step 2: Arrival Immigration & Visa-on-Arrival Desks
Enter the sprawling immigration arrival hall on Level 1. Bangladeshi citizens holding e-Passports scan through the 32 arrival e-Gates for automated entry. Foreign passport holders from eligible nations requiring a Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) proceed to the dedicated Sonali Bank counter to deposit the USD visa fee before presenting documents to the VoA immigration officer.
Step 3: Free Baggage Trolleys & 16 Automated Carousels
Descend to the baggage claim concourse. Thousands of brand-new, ergonomically balanced luggage trolleys are positioned completely free of charge alongside every baggage belt. Consult overhead monitors to locate the assigned carousel number for your flight (Carousels 01 through 16).
Step 4: Customs Inspection: Green vs Red Channel Protocols
Collect your suitcases and proceed through customs. If you are carrying standard personal clothing, under 100g of gold jewelry, and up to two used smartphones, walk freely through the unhindered Green Channel. If carrying commercial merchandise, gold bullion bars, or electronics exceeding duty-free allowances, enter the Red Channel to declare items to customs officials.
Step 5: Public Arrivals Concourse, Currency Exchange & Transport
Exit through the sliding glass doors into the secure public arrivals canopy. Here you will find official 24-hour foreign currency exchange counters operated by authorized national banks, local telecom kiosks (Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi) offering instant tourist SIM activation, authorized airport taxi dispatch booths, and the direct pedestrian tunnel connecting to the Dhaka Metro Rail station.
20. Ground Transportation Rates, Taxi Counters & Metro Rail Operating Hours
Leaving Terminal 3 is seamless thanks to diverse integrated public and private transit solutions operating 24 hours daily:
Airport Prepaid Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Official prepaid airport taxi counters located in the arrivals hall offer fixed-rate air-conditioned sedans and microbuses to all Dhaka zones (Uttara, Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Motijheel) with zero street haggling. App-based ride-hailing pickups (Uber and Pathao) operate from dedicated express pickup lanes at the multi-level parking structure.
Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line-6)
The underground Airport Metro Station links travelers to Mirpur, Farmgate, and Motijheel in under 35 minutes, completely avoiding Dhaka's surface traffic jams. Trains operate with 6 to 8-minute headways from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Dhaka Elevated Expressway
Vehicles exiting the terminal can directly access the elevated expressway on-ramp, bypassing Airport Road congestion and reaching Tejgaon, Bijoy Sarani, and Kamalapur in just 15 to 20 minutes at standard government toll rates.
π Related Essential Airport & Travel Guides:
Advanced Apron Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Airside Aviation Safety
Terminal 3 introduces automated, zero-emission Japanese ground operations that modernize airside apron logistics:
Electric Towbarless Aircraft Pushback Tugs & GSE Fleets
Unlike legacy diesel pushback tractors, Terminal 3 utilizes computerized electric towbarless tugs that lift aircraft nose gear directly, reducing tarmac carbon emissions and eliminating mechanical shear-pin breakage risks during pushback maneuvers. Ground power units (400Hz GPU) and pre-conditioned air (PCA) systems integrated directly into aerobridge columns provide electricity and cabin cooling to docked aircraft without running polluting onboard auxiliary power units (APU).
Underground Fuel Hydrant Networks & Automated Refueling
Refueling large wide-body aircraft (such as the Boeing 777-300ER requiring over 140,000 liters of jet fuel) previously required multiple bowser fuel tanker trucks driving back and forth across crowded aprons. Terminal 3 integrates a centralized underground jet A-1 fuel hydrant pipeline system directly connecting the Kurmitola Aviation Fuel Depot to every aircraft stand, allowing high-speed automated fueling in under 35 minutes with zero road congestion.
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Detection Radar Sensors
Runway and taxiway safety is reinforced by continuous millimeter-wave radar sensors and high-definition thermal electro-optical cameras that scan the tarmac 24/7 for dangerous metal fragments, loose bolts, or wildlife, automatically alerting the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower to prevent engine ingestion hazards.
Advanced Apron Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Airside Aviation Safety
Terminal 3 introduces automated, zero-emission Japanese ground operations that modernize airside apron logistics:
Electric Towbarless Aircraft Pushback Tugs & GSE Fleets
Unlike legacy diesel pushback tractors, Terminal 3 utilizes computerized electric towbarless tugs that lift aircraft nose gear directly, reducing tarmac carbon emissions and eliminating mechanical shear-pin breakage risks during pushback maneuvers. Ground power units (400Hz GPU) and pre-conditioned air (PCA) systems integrated directly into aerobridge columns provide electricity and cabin cooling to docked aircraft without running polluting onboard auxiliary power units (APU).
Underground Fuel Hydrant Networks & Automated Refueling
Refueling large wide-body aircraft (such as the Boeing 777-300ER requiring over 140,000 liters of jet fuel) previously required multiple bowser fuel tanker trucks driving back and forth across crowded aprons. Terminal 3 integrates a centralized underground jet A-1 fuel hydrant pipeline system directly connecting the Kurmitola Aviation Fuel Depot to every aircraft stand, allowing high-speed automated fueling in under 35 minutes with zero road congestion.
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Detection Radar Sensors
Runway and taxiway safety is reinforced by continuous millimeter-wave radar sensors and high-definition thermal electro-optical cameras that scan the tarmac 24/7 for dangerous metal fragments, loose bolts, or wildlife, automatically alerting the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower to prevent engine ingestion hazards.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Terminal 3: World-Class Architecture & Passenger Flow
The state-of-the-art Terminal 3 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka represents a monumental transformation in Bangladesh's civil aviation infrastructure. Designed by internationally acclaimed aviation architects, Terminal 3 expands airport passenger handling capacity to over 24 million passengers annually, integrating smart airport technologies, automated biometric gates, and streamlined baggage sorting systems.
Automated Check-in & Self-Bag Drop
Features 115 check-in counters including 15 self-service check-in kiosks and automated self-bag drop stations that allow passengers to print boarding passes, weigh luggage, and tag suitcases in under 3 minutes without waiting in manual counter queues.
Advanced Biometric E-Gates
Equipped with 66 departure immigration counters and modern automated e-Gates that authenticate Bangladeshi e-Passports via facial recognition and optical fingerprint matching in less than 20 seconds per passenger.
High-Speed Baggage Handling System
Incorporate an advanced automated baggage handling system (BHS) with multi-level explosive detection system (EDS) X-ray machines, reducing baggage retrieval wait times at arrival carousels to an average of 15 to 25 minutes.
Multimodal Transport Connectivity
Seamlessly connected to the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Dhaka Airport Railway Station via an underground pedestrian tunnel, and the upcoming MRT Line-6 extension, enabling rapid access across the Dhaka metropolitan area.
β Frequently Asked Questions (Terminal 3 Top 10 FAQ)
1. When will Terminal 3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) become fully operational for international flights? βΌ
Following system integration, baggage testing, and international trial runs, Terminal 3 is scheduled for full commercial flight operations under an international management consortium, initially shifting major full-service airlines before transitioning low-cost carriers.
2. Which international airlines will shift their operations to Terminal 3 first? βΌ
National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, along with premium international airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines), will be the first wave to shift operations to Terminal 3. Low-cost budget carriers (Air Arabia, Flydubai, Jazeera Airways) will transition during Phase 2.
3. Can all international departing passengers use the automated self-service kiosks and e-Gates? βΌ
Passengers holding valid biometric e-Passports with confirmed electronic tickets on participating airlines can use the automated self-service check-in kiosks, automated bag-drop units, and biometric e-Gates. Passengers traveling on Machine Readable Passports (MRP) or requiring special manual visa scrutiny will use staffed manual counters.
4. Is Terminal 3 directly connected to the Dhaka Metro Rail and Elevated Expressway? βΌ
Yes. Terminal 3 is designed as a multimodal transport hub with a dedicated underground pedestrian tunnel directly linking to the Airport Metro Station on MRT Line-6, and a direct vehicular flyover ramp connecting to the Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
5. What special lounge facilities and support are available for outbound Bangladeshi migrant workers? βΌ
Terminal 3 features a dedicated, subsidized Probashi Lounge operated by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board (WEWB) and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare, offering complimentary refreshments, resting zones, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 welfare desk assistance for documentation and flight connections.
6. How many automated baggage claim carousels are installed in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall? βΌ
Terminal 3 houses 16 state-of-the-art high-speed automated baggage claim belts, including dedicated carousels equipped for oversized and heavy baggage, reducing average luggage delivery times to under 20 to 30 minutes after aircraft docking.
7. Are sleeping pods or day-room transit hotels available inside Terminal 3? βΌ
Yes. The secure airside transit zone contains modern sleep capsule pods, day-stay transit rooms, quiet relaxation lounges, and soundproof family rest areas for passengers with extended transit layovers.
8. Will existing Terminals 1 and 2 remain operational after Terminal 3 opens? βΌ
Once all international flights fully migrate to Terminal 3, Terminals 1 and 2 will undergo comprehensive interior modernization and structural renovation to be converted into dedicated, expanded domestic terminals and specialized VIP/Hajj facilities.
9. How many passenger boarding aerobridges are connected to Terminal 3? βΌ
Terminal 3 is equipped with 26 modern dual-tunnel boarding aerobridges, allowing wide-body aircraft (such as Boeing 777, 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A350) to board and disembark passengers directly without tarmac passenger shuttle buses.
10. How can passengers book free wheelchair and medical assistance in Terminal 3? βΌ
Wheelchair services should be requested through your airline or travel booking agent at least 48 hours prior to flight departure. In addition, dedicated special assistance service counters and electric mobility buggy carts operate across all concourses for elderly and physically challenged travelers.