The government has suspended the notification granting international status to Cox’s Bazar Airport, delaying the launch of international flights to the region.

Air Commodore Md. Nur-e-Azam, Chairman of the airport’s international flight committee and Director of Cox’s Bazar Airport, confirmed the decision on Friday.

The suspension comes as key infrastructure and administrative preparations remain incomplete.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the airport will continue operating domestic flights only until further notice. Requirements such as immigration, customs, quarantine facilities, expanded terminal capacity, and enhanced security systems have yet to meet international standards.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism had previously announced plans to upgrade the airport to international status, aiming to establish direct air links with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and India. These routes were expected to boost tourism and economic growth in one of the country’s top travel destinations.

However, officials now acknowledge that operational readiness has not been achieved. “Our goal remains to make Cox’s Bazar an international gateway, but we must ensure full compliance with safety, security, and service regulations before launching cross-border operations,” said a CAAB spokesperson.

The suspension is described as a temporary measure. Authorities are accelerating work on outstanding infrastructure and coordination with relevant agencies. While no new timeline has been set, efforts are underway to fulfill all requirements at the earliest.