Amid shifting regional dynamics and a growing need for independent logistics capabilities, Bangladesh has taken a decisive step by launching its first dedicated freighter flight from Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport. This strategic move is expected to reshape the country’s air cargo landscape, offering exporters more control over freight costs and routes.

The development comes in response to India’s recent withdrawal of transshipment privileges for Bangladeshi cargo through its airports—a move that significantly disrupted existing supply chains, particularly for the country’s robust garment export sector.

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Key Highlights of Bangladesh’s Air Cargo Initiative

Aspect	Details
First Freighter Flight	Inaugurated from Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport.
Trigger for Initiative	India revoked transshipment access for Bangladeshi exports.
Scheduled Destination	Weekly cargo flights to Zaragoza, Spain; potential increase based on demand.
Cost Advantage	Expected air freight cost reduction of up to 13% on Europe-bound exports.
Export Volume Impact	Previously, 18% of Bangladesh’s air cargo used Indian airports—mainly garments.
Airport Enhancements	Osmani Airport now equipped with international-grade security infrastructure.
Regulatory Oversight	Managed by Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to ensure compliance.
Expansion Plans	Plans underway to restart cargo flights from Chattogram’s Shah Amanat Airport.
Regional Trade Tensions	India-Pakistan conflicts affecting broader South Asian air cargo dynamics.
India’s Infrastructure Update	May result in higher freight rates, potentially diverting traffic to Bangladeshi routes.

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Strategic Significance and Future Outlook

With approximately one-fifth of Bangladesh’s air cargo previously routed through India—primarily garments bound for Europe—this freighter initiative is not only a cost-saving strategy but also a sovereign logistics breakthrough. Exporters now gain a direct corridor to the European market, which helps avoid routing delays and security bottlenecks in neighboring countries.

Additionally, the new service enhances national cargo independence, aligning with Bangladesh’s long-term logistics and export diversification strategies. If demand continues to rise, the frequency of flights could double, and future connectivity from Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport may further decentralize cargo operations from Dhaka.

Meanwhile, India’s aviation infrastructure overhauls and rising freight rates are prompting regional exporters to reassess their logistical preferences—creating a timely opportunity for Bangladesh to position itself as a competitive alternative air cargo hub in South Asia.

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Conclusion

Bangladesh’s entry into scheduled freighter services from Sylhet marks a critical turning point in its air logistics ecosystem. It showcases how strategic infrastructure development, backed by timely policy responses, can insulate a nation’s exports from external shocks and reinforce regional trade resilience.