Major Shift in Airspace Management as Bangladesh Sets New Overflight Revenue Record

Bangladesh has recorded a significant increase in revenue from the use of its airspace following the introduction of an advanced radar and air traffic management system at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The airport earned Tk 805.01 crore in overflight fees from foreign airlines during the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to data from the airport’s executive director’s office.
Officials say the new radar and upgraded air traffic control (ATC) system have strengthened surveillance of Bangladesh’s airspace, improving the identification of aircraft flying through the country and the collection of applicable overflight charges.
However, officials also noted that the increase in revenue was partly supported by growth in international flight operations and the number of foreign airlines using Bangladesh’s air routes.
Revenue Reaches Tk 416 Crore in Six Months
According to data from the executive director’s office of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, overflight revenue stood at Tk 388.10 crore between July and December 2025.
The figure increased to Tk 416.91 crore during the following six months, from January to June 2026.
This means the airport generated an average of nearly Tk 69.5 crore per month from overflight fees during the second half of the fiscal year.
Revenue reached approximately Tk 80.17 crore in January, Tk 69.58 crore in February, Tk 62.18 crore in March, Tk 67.53 crore in April, Tk 70.48 crore in May and nearly Tk 67 crore in June.
Advanced Radar Strengthens Airspace Surveillance
The installation of the new Air Traffic Management Centre (ATMC) and advanced radar system at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was completed in December 2025.
French aviation and defence technology company Thales was involved in manufacturing and installing the system. The project cost approximately Tk 942 crore, according to CAAB sources. The upgraded system was formally inaugurated in April 2026.
The new system has significantly strengthened surveillance across Bangladesh’s airspace. Officials said the previous radar system had limited capabilities, particularly in monitoring aircraft movements in areas adjacent to the Bay of Bengal.
The upgraded system has expanded Bangladesh’s ability to monitor aircraft movements in real time and improve coordination with neighbouring air traffic systems.
Overflight Fees Become a Significant Revenue Source
Foreign aircraft flying through Bangladesh’s airspace are required to pay applicable charges for the use of the country’s air navigation facilities. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has established charges for aircraft flying over Bangladeshi territory.
Officials and aviation experts say improved surveillance has helped Bangladesh identify aircraft more effectively and strengthen collection of applicable fees.
At the same time, the rise in overflight revenue cannot be attributed solely to the new radar system. Growth in international air traffic and increased operations by foreign airlines have also contributed to the higher earnings.
Bangladesh’s geographic location gives it strategic importance along international aviation routes. Strengthening airspace surveillance and management through modern technology could therefore help the country improve aviation safety and operational efficiency while generating greater revenue from overflight services.
The introduction of the new radar and ATC system has consequently created a new dimension for Bangladesh’s aviation sector—combining stronger airspace surveillance with increased revenue-generating potential.