Online Desk  :   As part of an overhaul aimed at enhancing service quality, security, and transparency, operations of 16 commercial entities at three international airports in Bangladesh, including Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal, will be shut down from midnight Monday. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has decided not to renew leases for the businesses as the new fiscal year 2025–26 begins. The decision affects Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport, and Nilphamari’s Saidpur Airport.

A senior CAAB official, requesting anonymity, said the move is intended to upgrade passenger services and introduce stricter oversight in sensitive airport zones. “All current lease agreements with these businesses are expiring, and none will be renewed. Future operations will be governed under a new policy framework,” the official added. In Dhaka, the affected businesses include Aeros Trading, Messrs Sajal Enterprise, Mahbuba Traders, Nahar Construction, Aviation Transport Ltd, A Five Roadway Ltd, World Trust Tourist Car Services Co, Shirin Enterprise, Hawlader and Sons, Othoi Enterprise, Wolf Corporation, Arial Creative Space, Dhanshiri Communication, and Department S Consulting.

In Chattogram, Falcon Agency located on the second floor of the departure terminal at Shah Amanat Airport will also cease operations. Likewise, Falcon Airport Service Team, based in the domestic departure zone of Saidpur Airport, will shut down tonight. CAAB formally notified the companies via registered mail on June 29 and followed up with an official notice on June 30. The directive clearly states that no requests for lease renewal will be entertained, and all establishments must vacate their premises as soon as their leases expire.

According to CAAB, the move is part of a broader effort to modernize airport management and instill greater accountability and efficiency in commercial services offered within airport premises. Authorities say many of the affected firms had been operating under long-standing leases despite complaints of poor service and irregularities. Sources within airport operations said this marks the beginning of a stricter enforcement regime to bring discipline to commercial activities within high-security airport zones. Implementation begins tonight.