Flying to Bangladesh: Airports, Airlines & Arrival Guide

Air travel is the primary entry method for international tourists and overseas visitors traveling to Bangladesh. The country's commercial aviation sector is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), which currently recognizes three operational international airports across the nation: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) – Dhaka, Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) – Chattogram (Chittagong) and Osmani International Airport (ZYL) – Sylhet.

While regional or direct flights do land in Chattogram and Sylhet, most foreign tourists will land at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), making it the main gateway for itinerary starts, visa processing, and onward domestic travel.

What This Page Covers

• Which airport should you fly into?

• Airlines flying to Bangladesh

• How to choose your flight to Bangladesh

• Arrival guidelines at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

• What to check before your Flight

• After you exit the airport

Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

Choosing the right airport depends on your specific itinerary, but most international visitors will land in Dhaka before traveling onward.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka (DAC)

The largest and busiest aviation hub in Bangladesh, handling the vast majority of long-haul international arrivals, connecting flights, and domestic transit networks. It is designated as the nation's principal international hub by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

• Best For: First-time visitors, long-haul international arrivals, and general leisure or business trips.

• Connectivity: Offers the most comprehensive schedule of international flights, domestic transit connections (to Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Chittagong, etc.), and direct access to capital-city logistics.

• Itinerary Hub: Ideal if your journey starts with exploring Dhaka's historical landmarks, business districts, or central transit routes.

Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram (CGP)

Located in southeastern Bangladesh, Chattogram (CGP) serves as the secondary international hub. It serves the southeastern port city and commercial region of Bangladesh, with direct regional connections primarily from Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian destinations.

• When to Fly Here: Best if your trip focuses directly on the port city of Chattogram, business in the industrial zones, or direct travel toward Hill Tract regions like Bandarban and Rangamati without stopping in Dhaka first.

Osmani International Airport, Sylhet (ZYL)

Located in the northeastern region, primarily catering to regional international flights and non-resident Bangladeshi communities traveling from abroad.

• When to Fly Here: Recommended if your main objective is visiting the tea gardens, eco-resorts, and wetlands of the Sylhet division directly, or if you are flying on specific regional routes catering to this region.

How to Choose Your Flight to Bangladesh

Selecting the right flight involves balancing travel comfort, budget, and arrival logistics. Consider these key factors when comparing itineraries:

• Total Journey Time & Connections: Minimizing total travel time reduces fatigue. Look for single-layover routes via major transit hubs (such as Doha, Dubai, or Bangkok).

• Layover Duration: Ensure connecting stops allow at least 2 to 3 hours to comfortably clear transit security and avoid missed connections.

• Baggage Allowance: Check checked-bag limits carefully; allowance policies vary significantly between long-haul carriers and low-cost regional airlines.

• Arrival Time in Dhaka: Daytime or early evening arrivals are ideal to navigate Dhaka’s city traffic and hotel check-ins easily. Late-night arrivals mean fewer transit options outside the terminal.

• Target Airport: Most international visitors should land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka for direct access to main travel networks.

• Ticket Flexibility & Price: Compare total costs across airlines, factoring in refundability and change fees in case your visa processing timelines shift.

Arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, you'll complete the following steps before entering Bangladesh.

1️⃣ Visa on Arrival Desk (If Applicable)

If you don't already have a tourist visa, visit the Visa-on-Arrival counter first. Submit the required documents, pay the visa fee if applicable, and receive your visa before proceeding.

2️⃣ Immigration & Passport Control

Next, head to the immigration counters for foreign passport holders. Present your passport and supporting documents if requested. The immigration officer may ask a few simple questions about your trip before stamping your passport.

3️⃣ Baggage Collection

After immigration, collect your luggage from the baggage carousel assigned to your flight. If your baggage is delayed or damaged, report it to the airport's baggage assistance desk before leaving the secure area.

4️⃣ Customs Clearance

Finally, pass through Customs.

🟢 Green Channel: For travelers carrying only personal belongings.

🔴 Red Channel: For travelers carrying items that must be officially declared.

👉 Consult the official Dhaka Airport's customs and baggage rules.

5️⃣ Arrivals Hall

Once you complete Customs, you'll enter the public arrivals hall, where you'll find currency exchange counters, ATMs, local SIM card services, transportation options, and airport assistance.

👉 Check Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Passenger Arrival Guidelines

What to Do Before Your Flight

Before boarding your flight to Bangladesh, complete this essential pre-departure checklist to prevent entry delays and guarantee smooth airport clearance upon landing:

• Verify Visa Requirements: Confirm whether your passport requires a pre-arranged embassy visa or if you qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA).

• Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity from your scheduled arrival date and contains sufficient blank pages.

• Keep Return/Onward Tickets: Carry printed or digital copies of your confirmed return or onward flight itinerary.

• Prepare Accommodation Details: Print your hotel bookings or formal host contact details in Bangladesh for immigration inspection.

• Save Offline Copies of Important Documents: Download digital PDFs of your passport, visa, flight tickets, and hotel confirmations to your mobile device for offline access.

• Arrange Airport Transfers: Pre-book a reliable hotel transfer or rideshare pickup to avoid navigating Dhaka Airport arrivals unprepared.

👉 Before booking your flight, confirm current entry rules in our comprehensive guide:

Read the Bangladesh Visa & Entry Requirements Guide →

After You Exit the Airport

Once you clear customs and step into the main arrival concourse at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), sorting your immediate ground logistics is straightforward if you know where to go:

• ATMs: International ATMs (accepting Visa/Mastercard) are located in the arrival hall before and after exiting customs. Notify your home bank before traveling to prevent automatic security blocks.

• Currency Exchange: Authorized bank exchange counters operate 24/7 in the arrivals area. Rates are regulated, making airport booths a reliable choice for converting initial cash into Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

• SIM / eSIM: You will find official booths for local telecom providers (Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi) in the arrival hall. Physical SIMs require passport verification; eSIMs can be set up in advance for immediate connectivity upon landing.

• Airport Transportation & Transfers: Avoid informal street touts outside the terminal doors. Opt for pre-booked hotel shuttles, official airport taxi desks, or app-based rideshares (like Uber) picked up at designated airport collection points.

• Helpful Travel Guide:

👉 Need local currency details? → Bangladesh Currency & Money Guide

👉 Need a SIM card or mobile data? → Travel Essentials & eSIM Guide

👉 Going to your hotel in Dhaka? → Where to Stay in Dhaka