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Shahjalal International Airport

Dhaka’s Bustling Main Gateway

Airport in Bangladesh

(17 km)

41 destinations

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Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka serves as Bangladesh’s main gateway to global travel. Opened in 1976, it handles millions of passengers each year and connects the country with major cities across Asia and beyond. The airport has modern terminals for both domestic and international flights, along with facilities like currency exchange booths, lounges, restaurants and duty-free shops. It plays a vital role in supporting trade, tourism and business travel while reflecting Dhaka’s growing presence on the world stage.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Shahjalal Airport Summary

Shahjalal International Airport is an airport near Dhaka in Bangladesh. It currently offers regular passenger service to 41 destinations operated by 36 airlines.

Top airlines

US-Bangla Airlines (BS)

256 flights per week

Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG)

190 flights per week

Novoair (VQ)

91 flights per week

Top destinations

DXB Dubai

KUL Kuala Lumpur

SHJ Sharjah

Cheapest destinations

CCU Kolkata

DEL Delhi

MAA Chennai

Best destinations

SIN Singapore

HKG Hong Kong

FCO Rome

Bangladesh – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D Type C: Type D: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) £1 ≈ BDT 165.01
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in major cities like Dhaka, but cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not compulsory in Bangladesh but is appreciated, with 10% being a standard amount in restaurants. Tipping hotel staff is also common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is prohibited in Bangladesh, and alcohol is only available in certain licensed venues.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in public indoor areas, including restaurants and shops, but is allowed in designated outdoor spaces.

Pohela Boishakh (April)	Expect traditional celebrations with crowds and local festivities.
Eid al-Fitr (Varies)	Expect religious celebrations, family gatherings, and business closures.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 999
Taxi apps:	Uber, Pathao, Ride
Other:	Bangladesh is known for its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and beautiful landscapes like the Sundarbans and Cox's Bazar beaches.

Shahjalal International Airport offers travelers the main access point to Dhaka and Bangladesh. While it’s a busy hub reflecting the energy of the capital, visitors often find it crowded and somewhat chaotic with infrastructure that feels dated in parts. Cleanliness and management can vary greatly and lines at immigration and security are known to be long and slow-moving.

The airport is improving with growing investments, but travelers should prepare for some discomfort, including limited seating in arrivals, inconsistent wifi and occasional unprofessional behavior from staff. Despite this, the airport provides essential services including multiple lounges and international connectivity.

The climate at the airport is tropical monsoon, bringing hot, humid conditions year-round with a pronounced rainy season. This weather may influence travel plans, so visitors should be prepared for sudden showers and heat.

Travelers using Shahjalal International Airport can appreciate the fast-growing aviation market in Bangladesh but should set expectations accordingly for the airport experience itself.

Helpful tips for Shahjalal International Airport

Arrive at least two hours early for international flights.
Check visa requirements and carry a copy of your passport, flight tickets and accommodation details in both paper and digital formats.
Use the airport's free Wi‑Fi to download local maps and transport apps before you leave the terminal.
The Shahjalal International Airport has limited duty‑free shops; plan your purchases accordingly and be aware of Bangladesh’s customs regulations on electronics.

Available airport lounges

Expatriate Welfare Lounge

Exclusive lounge catering to expatriates and VIPs, offering comfortable seating and refreshments.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Maslin Lounge

Located inside the International Terminal, this lounge provides dedicated seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi. It mainly serves Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ premium passengers and their guests.

Balaka Executive Lounge

Located airside, the lounge offers comfortable seating, food, and internet facilities for premium passengers and visitors willing to pay for entry.

Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge

Premium lounge operated by Thai Airways with elegant seating and personalised service for eligible passengers.

EBL Sky Lounge

Provides refreshments, seating, and Wi-Fi with access primarily granted to elite travellers and VIPs.

Express International Lounge

Situated airside in the international terminal, the lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Available for priority pass holders and select airline passengers.

Platinum International Lounge

This lounge features a quiet environment with excellent service, light refreshments, and Wi-Fi, catering mostly to business travellers.

MTB Air Lounge

A modern lounge providing a peaceful retreat with beverages, snacks, and Wi-Fi access for eligible travellers.

Signature Lounge

Offers a relaxed atmosphere, refreshments, and charging stations, mainly accessed by lounge memberships and business passengers.

UCB Imperial Airport Lounge

Comfortable lounge with modern amenities including refreshments and Wi-Fi, open to certain cardholders and business class passengers.

Where to stay near Shahjalal International Airport

Dhaka offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to international chains mainly located in the city center and Gulshan area. Staying near the airport is less common, as central Dhaka offers better access to dining, business and sightseeing.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden

8.0

Jatra Flagship Dhaka Lake View

8.5

Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan By IHG

Hotel Bengal Blueberry

8.5

Explore more accommodations

How to get from Shahjalal Airport to popular destinations

To Dhaka City Center:
The airport is about 17 km from Dhaka’s downtown. Options to reach the city include airport taxis, ride-share services, and shuttle buses; travel time varies from 40 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic, which can be heavy. There is a newly launched metro rail connection that cuts down travel time efficiently, though it requires some transfers.

To Gulshan:
Gulshan, Dhaka’s affluent business and diplomatic district, is also reachable via taxi or ride-shares. Travel time is similar to the city centre, but traffic congestion is common. Pre-booked rides or hotel transfers are recommended for convenience.

To Banani:
Situated near Gulshan, Banani is accessible through similar means—taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle. The route is well known but susceptible to the unpredictable traffic jams typical of Dhaka.