Bangladesh Enters a New Era of Aviation with Advanced Radar System Covering Entire Sky

Bangladesh has taken a major leap forward in aviation safety and airspace management with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art radar and surveillance system at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The new Air Traffic Management Centre (ATMC) now enables full real-time monitoring of the country’s entire airspace, marking a historic upgrade for the nation’s aviation sector.

This development not only enhances flight safety but also positions Bangladesh as an emerging regional aviation hub.

A Modern System Replacing Decades-Old Technology

For decades, Bangladesh relied on outdated aviation infrastructure. The previous radar system, installed nearly 35–40 years ago, had significant limitations:

• Incomplete airspace coverage
• Limited detection range
• Inefficient coordination with international flights

The new system replaces these outdated technologies with a fully integrated, digital solution capable of handling modern aviation demands.

This transition represents a critical upgrade in ensuring safer and more efficient air travel.

What the New Radar System Can Do

The newly installed ATMC brings several advanced capabilities that significantly improve airspace management.

Full Airspace Coverage

For the first time, Bangladesh can now monitor every aircraft entering its airspace in real time, eliminating previous blind spots.

Extended Detection Range

• Radar coverage: up to 350 nautical miles (650 km)
• Communication range: up to 450 nautical miles (833 km) over the Bay of Bengal

Integration with Regional Systems

The system integrates radar data from Chattogram, ensuring seamless coordination across the country.

24/7 Operations

The ATMC operates continuously to manage:

• Flight takeoffs and landings
• Air traffic flow
• Emergency situations

These features collectively create a highly efficient and secure aviation environment.

Built with Global Expertise

The radar and navigation system was developed and installed by Thales Group, a globally recognized leader in aviation technology.

Project Details:

• Planning started: 2019
• Completion: December 2025
• Total cost: Tk 942 crore

The collaboration reflects strong international cooperation, particularly between Bangladesh and France, in advancing technological infrastructure.

Why This Upgrade Matters

The introduction of this advanced radar system has far-reaching implications for Bangladesh.

1. Enhanced Flight Safety

With full airspace visibility, air traffic controllers can:

• Detect potential conflicts early
• Guide aircraft more accurately
• Respond quickly to emergencies

This significantly reduces the risk of accidents.

2. Improved Operational Efficiency

The digital system eliminates many of the complexities associated with older technology, enabling:

• Faster decision-making
• Smoother coordination
• Reduced delays

3. Increased Airspace Capacity

Bangladesh can now handle a larger volume of flights, which is essential as global air traffic continues to grow.

Economic Benefits: Unlocking New Revenue Streams

One of the most important impacts of the new radar system is its economic potential.

Previously, Bangladesh faced challenges in tracking all aircraft flying over its territory especially over the Bay of Bengal. As a result, it could not fully collect overflight charges from international airlines.

With the new system:

• Every aircraft can be tracked accurately
• Overflight fees can be properly collected
• National revenue is expected to increase

Officials believe this could become a significant source of foreign exchange earnings in the coming years.

Reducing Flight Delays and Congestion

Air traffic congestion has been a growing challenge in South Asia. The new ATMC helps address this by:

• Improving coordination between flights
• Optimizing flight paths
• Reducing waiting times for landing and takeoff

This leads to:

• Better punctuality
• Lower fuel consumption
• Improved passenger experience

A Step Toward Becoming a Regional Aviation Hub

The government has repeatedly emphasized its goal of transforming Dhaka into a major aviation hub.

The new radar system plays a key role in achieving that vision by:

• Aligning Bangladesh with international aviation standards
• Enhancing credibility among global airlines
• Improving overall infrastructure

Combined with ongoing developments like the third terminal at HSIA, the country is steadily building a modern aviation ecosystem.

Advanced Technology Behind the System

The ATMC is powered by a sophisticated ATM-CNS (Air Traffic Management – Communication, Navigation, Surveillance) system.

Key Technologies Include:

• Integrated flight data processing
• Advanced radar systems
• Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B)
• Real-time monitoring tools

These technologies enable data-driven decision-making, allowing controllers to manage air traffic with greater precision.

Regional and Global Impact

The benefits of the new system extend beyond Bangladesh.

Regional Cooperation

The improved radar coverage enhances coordination with neighboring countries, contributing to safer skies across South Asia.

Global Aviation Network

By meeting international standards, Bangladesh becomes a more reliable partner in global aviation, attracting more airlines and routes.

Officials believe the system will have a positive impact on both regional and global aviation operations.

Addressing Long-Standing Limitations

For years, Bangladesh’s aviation sector faced criticism for relying on outdated infrastructure.

Key limitations included:

• Incomplete radar coverage
• Inefficient traffic management
• Missed economic opportunities

The new system effectively addresses these issues, marking a turning point in aviation modernization.

Challenges Ahead

While the new radar system is a major achievement, its long-term success will depend on several factors:

Skilled Workforce

Operating advanced systems requires continuous training for air traffic controllers.

Maintenance and Upgrades

Regular maintenance and future upgrades will be essential to keep the system running efficiently.

Integration with Future Projects

As Bangladesh expands its aviation infrastructure, the system must adapt to increasing demand.

Public and Industry Response

The launch of the new radar system has been widely welcomed by aviation experts and industry stakeholders.

It is seen as:

• A long-overdue upgrade
• A boost to national infrastructure
• A step toward global competitiveness

Passengers may not directly see the system, but its impact will be felt through safer and more reliable flights.

The Future of Aviation in Bangladesh

The radar system is part of a broader transformation in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

Key developments include:

• Expansion of airport infrastructure
• Increased international connectivity
• Adoption of modern technologies

Together, these initiatives aim to position Bangladesh as a key player in regional aviation.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration of the new radar system at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport marks a historic milestone for Bangladesh. By bringing the entire national airspace under real-time surveillance, the country has taken a decisive step toward safer, more efficient, and economically beneficial aviation operations.

This is more than just a technological upgrade—it is a strategic investment in Bangladesh’s future.

As the aviation sector continues to grow, systems like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that Bangladesh not only keeps pace with global standards but also emerges as a leader in the region.