Government Open to Building Kuakata Airport if Private Airlines Show Interest: PM

Speaking during the 14th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Prime Minister emphasized that any such project must undergo rigorous feasibility testing to ensure economic viability before moving forward.

The statement came in response to a supplementary question from ABM Mosharraf Hossain, MP of Patuakhali-4, who highlighted the growing strategic importance of Kuakata. Hossain argued that the presence of a major tourist destination, a naval base, a cantonment, and the Payra Port necessitates rapid air connectivity to the region.

While acknowledging the regional significance, Prime Minister Rahman noted that airport operations are directly linked to economic sustainability. He expressed concerns that if an airport is built and subsequently incurs losses, the financial burden would ultimately fall on the general public. "From a business perspective, it might not be very profitable right now," the Prime Minister remarked. "However, if any private company wants to operate flights there, the government will try to provide the necessary infrastructure to support them."

The Prime Minister further added that the government aims to prevent losses to the national exchequer while also ensuring that private entrepreneurs do not face failure in their ventures. This stance indicates a preference for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) or private investment-led growth in the country's aviation infrastructure.

In a separate response to a query from MP Humam Chowdhury, the Prime Minister clarified that private schools in the country are governed by specific state guidelines, and all such institutions must operate within that framework. These parliamentary discussions underscore the administration’s focus on balanced economic development and a cautious approach toward large-scale infrastructure spending.