Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, located in Kurmitola about 20 kilometres north of Dhaka's city centre, serves as Bangladesh's primary international gateway. Named after the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Shahjalal, the airport handles over 6 million passengers annually across its two main terminals, with a third under construction to meet soaring demand. It operates as the hub for Biman Bangladesh Airlines and connects Dhaka to major cities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Getting There

Reaching the airport from central Dhaka typically takes 30 to 60 minutes by road, depending on traffic. The most convenient option is a taxi or ride-hailing service such as Uber or Pathao, which costs between 500 and 1,200 Bangladeshi Taka (approximately $6 to $14 USD) from areas like Gulshan, Banani, or Motijheel. For budget-conscious travellers, airport buses operated by BRTC and private companies run from key points including Kamalapur Railway Station and Farmgate, with fares around 150 to 300 Taka ($2 to $4 USD). These buses depart every 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours. Driving yourself is possible; the airport is accessible via the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway (N3) and offers both paid and free parking lots. Paid parking is available in a secure lot near the terminal, while free parking is limited to a smaller open area farther from the entrance. Both have wheelchair-accessible parking spaces. Given Dhaka's notorious congestion, avoid travelling during weekday rush hours (8–10 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.) and allow extra time for Friday prayers when traffic spikes.

Inside the Terminal

Passengers arrive at Terminal 1 (older, handles most international and domestic flights) or Terminal 2 (newer, handles some international flights). Both terminals are wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances, toilets, changing tables, and seating areas clearly marked. Upon departure, you'll find check-in counters lining the front hall, followed by security screening that moves reasonably quickly during off-peak hours. Duty-free shops and a few cafes occupy the airside area; Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminal, though speed varies. Baggage storage services are available in both terminals for a fee, useful for layovers or late hotel check-in. Arrival procedures involve passport control, baggage claim, and customs. The halls can feel crowded during peak flight arrivals, but staff are generally helpful. The atmosphere is functional rather than luxurious, with recent renovations improving lighting and signage. On-site services include currency exchange, ATMs, and a post office. For those requiring assistance, wheelchair services are provided by airline staff upon request. The airport operates 24 hours a day, but individual shops and services may close between midnight and 5 a.m.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Dhaka

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the world's most densely populated cities, home to over 22 million people. Its energy is palpable — rickshaws weave through traffic, street food stalls sizzle with parathas and kebabs, and the Buriganga River churns with cargo boats. The airport serves as the main entry point for visitors drawn to Bangladesh's rich history and vibrant culture. Key attractions within a short drive of the airport include Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fortress with three incomplete sections; Ahsan Manzil, the pink palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka; and Sadarghat, the bustling river port where ferries depart for the rural hinterlands. The Liberation War Museum traces the country's 1971 struggle for independence. For those with more time, the Sundarbans mangrove forest, home to Bengal tigers, is a 4-hour drive from Dhaka, and Cox's Bazar's 120-kilometre beach is a 10-hour drive or a short flight away. Business travellers form a large portion of airport traffic, as Dhaka is a growing hub for garments, pharmaceuticals, and technology. The airport itself reflects the city's contrasts: modern check-in kiosks sit alongside older infrastructure, and the announcement of a delayed flight may be answered with a shrug from seasoned travellers. Patience is a virtue here, but the warmth of the people makes the experience rewarding.

Practical Information

The airport is open 24 hours a day, though some facilities have limited hours. Contact information: Website: https://www.hsia.gov.bd/; Phone: +880 1343-102074. Free Wi-Fi is available for up to 4 hours per session; connect to the "HSIA Wi-Fi" network and register with a phone number or email. Paid parking costs 100 Taka per hour for cars; free parking is located east of the terminal. Wheelchair accessibility is well-maintained, but call ahead to confirm availability of assistance. Actionable tip: For international departures, arrive 3 hours before your flight — queues at check-in and security can exceed an hour during peak times (especially 10 p.m. to midnight and 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. for flights to the Middle East). Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, as local check-in staff may request it. And always carry small denominations of Taka for tips and transport.