| IATA Code | CGP |
| ICAO Code | VGEG |
| City | Chattogram (Chittagong) |
| Distance to City Centre | ~20 km |
| Status | International |
| Passengers per Year | Over 1.6 million people |
| Schedule | Available on the online display |
For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP). We recommend checking the data for accuracy on official resources before your trip.
You can get to Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) from the city centre of Chattogram in several ways, each having its own features regarding cost, comfort, and travel time. The airport is located approximately 20 kilometres south of the city centre, and the journey, depending on traffic and the chosen transport, can take from 45 minutes to one and a half hours.
Public transport in the form of buses is the most budget-friendly option, though it can be challenging for tourists. There are few direct express routes to the airport, and city buses are often overcrowded. This method is suitable for travellers without large luggage who are familiar with the local transport system. There is currently no direct rail or metro connection to the airport.
The most popular and convenient method for visitors to the city is a taxi or auto-rickshaw (CNG). Official taxis can be found throughout the city; it is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or insist on using the meter. An even more convenient solution would be ride-hailing apps like Uber, which operate in major cities of Bangladesh and offer fixed pricing. Three-wheeled auto-rickshaws, or CNG, are a cheaper and more colourful alternative to taxis, but they are less comfortable if you have a lot of luggage.
For maximum convenience, you can book a private transfer. Many hotels offer this service to their guests. This is the most expensive, but also the most reliable and comfortable option, especially if you are travelling with family or a large number of suitcases. Car rental is also possible, however, self-driving in the busy traffic of Chattogram can be a real challenge. A more common practice is renting a car with a driver for the whole day or for a specific trip.
If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is available at the terminal complex, where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. Overall, for a first visit to the city, the optimal choice would be a taxi via an app or a pre-booked transfer, which will allow you to avoid unnecessary stress and reach your flight on time and in comfort.
Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram has a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for passengers. The airport consists of one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Such an organization significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.
The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. Generally, the departure zone is located on the upper floor, and the arrival zone is on the lower floor. Although all operations take place under one roof, the flows of domestic and international passengers are separated. Separate check-in counters, security screening zones, and boarding gates are provided for each direction, helping to avoid confusion.
Since there is only one terminal, passengers do not need to worry about transfers between buildings. All necessary services and zones are within walking distance of each other. The departure zone includes airline check-in counters, passport control, and security checkpoints, after which passengers enter the sterile area with waiting lounges and boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of passport control, the baggage claim hall, and customs.
When planning your time, it is worth following standard recommendations. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours prior. Although the airport is not gigantic, during peak hours or the tourist season, completing all formalities may take more time. Always check the current recommendations of your airline.
To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. Information boards with flight schedules will help you find the necessary check-in counter or boarding gate. Thanks to the compact size of Shah Amanat Airport, getting lost here is quite difficult, making the journey calmer and more predictable.
The history of Shah Amanat International Airport, serving the city of Chattogram, dates back to World War II. It was built in the early 1940s as a military airfield for the British Royal Air Force and was used as a vital base for operations on the Burma front. After the war ended and the region gained independence, the airfield was converted for civil needs, becoming a key transport hub for the southeastern part of Bangladesh.
A real breakthrough in the airport's development occurred at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. Between 1998 and 2000, a large-scale modernization was carried out: a new modern terminal was built, the runway was lengthened and strengthened, and new navigation equipment was installed. These improvements allowed the airport to gain international status and begin receiving flights from other countries, which significantly increased its role in the region's economy and tourism.
One interesting fact in the airport's history is its renaming. Until 2005, it bore the name of M. A. Hannan, a political figure. However, it was later decided to name it after Shah Amanat — a respected Islamic saint whose mausoleum is located in Chattogram. This decision highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the city for the country.
Today, Shah Amanat Airport is the second busiest in Bangladesh. It not only serves millions of passengers and tons of cargo annually but also plays a critically important role during the annual Hajj, sending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, thanks to its strategic location, the airport has repeatedly become a centre for coordinating humanitarian missions and delivering aid following tropical cyclones hitting the coast.
Shah Amanat International Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Here you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick snack or have a full lunch, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops, including Duty Free, with an assortment of perfumes, souvenirs, sweets, and tobacco products.
For passengers who value enhanced comfort, business lounges and VIP lounges operate at the airport. Guests in these zones can relax in silence on comfortable chairs, take advantage of complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh newspapers, and access to high-speed internet. This is an excellent place for work or waiting for boarding in peace.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or handle work matters. Special stands and sockets are provided in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. Furthermore, the airport houses bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where you can easily conduct all necessary financial transactions.
The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for families with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance, ramps, and equipped restrooms. In case of illness, you can visit the 24-hour medical centre. Although there are no hotels within the airport itself, there are several accommodation options in the immediate vicinity.
At Shah Amanat International Airport, passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the choice of establishments may not be as vast as in giant aviation hubs, there is everything necessary here to satisfy hunger and spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight.
The main part of cafes and small restaurants is located in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security screening (airside). Also, a few spots with drinks and snacks can be found in the general hall before check-in (landside). Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening well before the first departures and closing after the last ones.
For travellers, this is a great opportunity to try local cuisine. In restaurant menus, you can often find traditional Bangladeshi biryani, various types of curry, and local sweets. If you prefer something more familiar, you will be offered sandwiches, pastries, and coffee in European-style cafes. Virtually all food at the airport is Halal, complying with local standards. Vegetarians should pay attention to rice and vegetable dishes, which are always present on the menu.
If you are short on time, kiosks with quick snacks and drinks will be the ideal choice. For those who have time and want to dine in a calm atmosphere, small restaurants with a la carte service are suitable. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city of Chattogram, but remain moderate by international standards. Both local currency and bank cards are accepted for payment.
To ensure your journey through Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Planning is the key to a calm start to your adventure in Bangladesh or beyond.
Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time in case of queues. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone.
Passing Control and Seat Selection: Be prepared for standard security screening procedures. To speed up the process, remove metal objects from your pockets in advance, and take laptops and liquids out of your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to get up freely without disturbing neighbours. Seats in the front of the cabin usually ensure a quicker exit upon arrival.
Hand Luggage: Remember the general rules for carrying hand luggage. Liquids can be carried in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited. Power banks should be carried only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.
Transfer Passengers and Customs: If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Chattogram. At customs control upon arrival, follow the signs for the "Green" (if you have nothing to declare) or "Red" channel. Be ready to present your passport and a completed migration card.
Saving Time and Money: To avoid inflated taxi prices, research airport transfer options in advance or use official taxi counters in the arrival hall. Keep a small amount of local currency for minor expenses. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security at special water fountains.
In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, stay calm. First, contact your airline representative for the latest information. Monitor updates on information screens. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Study your rights as a passenger in advance.
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