Shahjalal International Airport Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Hazrat Shahjalal
International Airport

হযরত শাহ্জালাল আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর

IATA: DAC
ICAO: VGHS (old: VGZR)

Summary

Airport type

Public / Military

Owner

Government of Bangladesh

Operator

Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh

Serves

Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj

Location

Kurmitola

Hub for

Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Regent Airways
Novoair
US-Bangla Airlines
SkyAir
Easy Fly Express

Elevation AMSL

27 ft / 8 m

Coordinates

23°50′34″N 090°24′02″E / 23.84278°N 90.40056°E

Runway

Runway	Length		Surface
Runway	m	ft	Surface
14/32	3,300	11,500	Asphalt

Statistics (2019)

Passenger movements	18,681,474
Cargo handled (tonnes)	517,940

Source: Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh

Shahjalal International Airport.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (often called HSIA) is the biggest and busiest airport in Bangladesh. It is the main gateway for people flying into and out of the country. Located in Dhaka, the capital city, it connects Bangladesh to many places around the world. Before its current name, it was known as Dacca International Airport.

What is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport?
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What is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport?

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is the largest airport in Bangladesh. It is the only international airport in the country. This means it handles flights that go to and from other countries. It is a very important place for travel and trade in Bangladesh.

Why is This Airport Important?

This airport is a major hub for several airlines. A "hub" is like a central station where many flights connect. Airlines like Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Regent Airways, Novoair, and US-Bangla Airlines use it as their main base. In 2019, over 18 million passengers used the airport! It also handles a huge amount of cargo, which means goods and products are flown in and out of the country.

What Happens at the Airport?

An airport is a busy place with many different parts. At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you will find:

Runways: These are long, flat areas where planes take off and land. The airport has a runway that is 3,300 meters (about 11,500 feet) long.
Terminals: These are buildings where passengers check in, go through security, wait for their flights, and collect their luggage.
Control Tower: Air traffic controllers work here. They guide planes safely on the ground and in the air.
Cargo Area: This is where goods are loaded onto and unloaded from special cargo planes.

Flying In and Out

When you fly from this airport, you first check in your bags and get your boarding pass. Then you go through security checks to make sure everyone is safe. After that, you wait in the departure lounge until it's time to board your plane. When you arrive, you get off the plane, go through immigration, and collect your luggage.

Moving Goods

Besides passengers, the airport also handles a lot of cargo. This includes everything from clothes and electronics to fresh food. Cargo planes fly these goods all over the world, helping Bangladesh trade with other countries. In 2019, the airport handled over 517,000 tonnes of cargo!

A Look at the Airport's History

The airport was first established in 1941. Over the years, it has grown and changed to become the modern international airport it is today. It was originally known as Dacca International Airport. Later, it was renamed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, honoring a famous Sufi saint.

Images for kids

International Terminal
Apron view
Terminal interior
An Antonov An-124 Ruslan of Volga-Dnepr Airlines in the taxiway. Another one can be seen in the background. An-124's routinely use this airport.
VVIP and VIP Lounges at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Night view of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport