Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (IATA: DAC, ICAO: VGHS) is the primary international gateway to Bangladesh, located in Kurmitola, just 17 km north of Dhaka city center. Serving both commercial and non-scheduled operators, the airport is open 24/7 but poses operational challenges due to airspace congestion, limited parking, and permit delays.
This guide helps business aviation operators understand current operational procedures and how ASM’s local expertise ensures a smooth flight experience at Dhaka International Airport.
Dhaka International Airport Overview
| Airport Name | Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | DAC |
| ICAO Code | VGHS |
| Location | Kurmitola, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Elevation | 27 ft (8 m) |
| Runway | One (14/32) |
| Operating Hours | 24/7 |
| Time Zone | UTC +6 |
Peak Congestion Hours :
Although the airport operates 24/7, operators should expect delays during peak times:
- Morning: 05:00 – 09:00 LT
- Evening: 18:00 – 22:00 LT
ATC congestion and airside delays are frequent during these periods.
✈️ Dhaka International Airport Operational Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Slot Permit | Required, especially during peak hours |
| Landing Permit | Required; issued by CAAB (Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh); allow minimum 72 working hours |
| Overflight Permit | Required with 72 hours notice |
| CIQ Facility | Available, but may involve wait times during busy hours |
| FBO Services | Limited; handled via ground agents |
| VIP Lounge | Available, requires prior coordination |
| Passenger & Crew Visas | Required; eVisa available for some nationalities |
| Parking & Hangarage | Extremely limited; advance approval critical |
| Aircraft Fuel | Jet A1 available |
| In-flight Catering | Available, but options are limited |
| Noise Abatement | Not strictly enforced but noise-sensitive areas nearby |
| Night Flying Restrictions | None officially, but delays possible due to airspace traffic |
⚠️ Key Challenges in Operating to Dhaka
- Congested Airspace & ATC Inefficiencies
Expect arrival/departure delays, particularly at peak times, due to limited air traffic control infrastructure.
- Parking Limitations
Overnight parking is a major challenge. Slots are scarce, and aircraft may need to reposition after drop-off without prior approval.
- Permit Approval Delays
CAAB has strict documentation standards, and permits can be delayed if not followed up regularly. A minimum of 72 working hours is essential.
- Limited FBO/Ground Handling Infrastructure
Executive-level services are limited unless arranged via a trusted partner with on-ground presence.
- Communication Challenges
A major operational challenge in Dhaka is the language barrier. Many ground handlers and airport staff may have limited English proficiency, which can lead to misunderstandings, delayed responses, or miscommunication during time-sensitive operations.
How ASM Supports Seamless Operations in Dhaka
At Aviation Services Management (ASM), we specialize in navigating complex airport environments like Dhaka.
Here’s how we ensure your operation runs smoothly:
✅ Permit Expertise
Our ops team works closely with CAAB, ensuring timely and accurate landing and overflight permit processing with complete compliance.
📌 Note: A strict 72 working hour notice is required.
✅ Pre-arranged Ground Handling
We secure handling slots in advance and coordinate with local agents to minimize service delays or miscommunication on arrival.
✅ VIP & CIQ Coordination
ASM pre-arranges passenger and crew handling, VIP lounge access, and CIQ clearance to ensure a smooth and discreet experience.
✅ Parking Management & Repositioning
Where parking is unavailable, we proactively arrange repositioning plans or alternates to suit your operational needs.
✅ 24/7 Ops Monitoring
Our regional and local teams provide real-time oversight from wheels-up to wheels-down, minimizing surprises and delays.
✅ Crew Support, Hotel, and Transport
We arrange crew accommodation at Dhaka’s top-tier hotels (e.g., Le Méridien Dhaka, The Westin Dhaka), coordinate airport transfers, and offer concierge services including visa support and inflight catering.
✅ Multilingual Coordination to Ensure Clarity & Efficiency
Coordinating with local ground handlers and on-ground staff in their native language can present challenges. ASM’s support team bridges this gap by working directly with local handlers and authorities, ensuring clear communication, prompt responses, and seamless coordination at every stage — a key advantage for achieving operational precision in Dhaka.
📞 Contact ASM for Dhaka Flight Support
If you’re planning a business or private jet flight to Dhaka, ASM is your trusted partner for permits, handling, parking, and VIP coordination.
Why Choose ASM for Dhaka?
- Trusted relationships with CAAB and local authorities
- 24/7 on-ground monitoring and support
- Custom VIP handling and crew-friendly logistics
- Expertise in navigating complex South Asian airspace
- Smooth communication channel
📩 Email: ops@asm.aero
🌐 Website: www.asm.aero
🔗 Learn more about our Flight Support Services