The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has moved to auction 12 abandoned aircraft as scrap after years of legal proceedings, aiming to reclaim valuable operational space at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and improve cargo handling efficiency.
The aircraft-left idle on the airport’s export cargo apron for nearly a decade-have deteriorated beyond practical use, prompting CAAB to seek government approval for an international open tender without setting a reserve price.
The abandoned fleet includes eight aircraft owned by United Airways, two by Regent Airways, and one each from GMG Airlines and Angel Airways. Together, they occupy around 192,100 square feet of prime apron space, restricting aircraft parking, cargo operations, and future airport expansion.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on July 16, requesting permission to dispose of the aircraft through a competitive international auction. Airport Operations Under Pressure: Airport officials said the prolonged occupation of the cargo apron has reduced operational efficiency by limiting parking capacity and disrupting export cargo
handling at Bangladesh’s busiest international gateway.
The aircraft had long lost their certificates of airworthiness and were subsequently deregistered. After repeated notices failed to persuade the airlines to remove them, CAAB completed legal procedures and formally confiscated the aircraft on May 26, 2024, following consultation with the Attorney General’s Office, Bangladesh Bank, and the relevant lenders.
Scrap Sale Seen as Practical Option: CAAB officials said attempts to determine an internationally accepted reserve price proved impractical because Bangladesh lacks certified aircraft valuation firms, while hiring foreign specialists would likely cost more than the aircraft’s expected sale value.
“These aircraft have remained idle for years and are obstructing airport operations,” Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan, CAAB Member (Administration and Planning), told The Daily Industry.
“We have sought approval to invite international tenders without fixing a reserve price. The cost of determining their value could exceed the amount recovered from the sale. They have effectively turned into scrap.”
Airport sources said prolonged exposure to the elements has severely damaged most of the aircraft, with corrosion and deteriorated components making them attractive only for scrap metal or reusable spare parts. Experts Call for Swift Disposal: Aviation experts said retaining derelict aircraft on one of the country’s busiest airport aprons has reduced operational capacity and deprived the government of potential revenue.
“The priority should be to restore operational efficiency at the airport,” said Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Mofidur Rahman, former Chairman of CAAB, speaking to The Daily Industry.
“A transparent international auction would not only free valuable apron space but also ensure a competitive process that maximizes returns for the government.”
Kazi Wahidul Alam, aviation analyst and Editor of Aviation & Tourism Journal, said Bangladesh’s growing cargo and passenger traffic requires more efficient use of airport infrastructure.”Every square metre of operational apron space is valuable. Removing obsolete aircraft will improve aircraft movement, strengthen cargo operations, and support future expansion plans,” he told The Daily Industry.
If approved by the ministry, CAAB will invite international bids, with the successful bidder required to remove the aircraft from the airport within a specified timeframe, clearing the way for more efficient use of the strategic operational area.
