Sylhet Civil Airport

Osmani International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the "Land of Two Leaves and a Bud," as the tea-growing region of Sylhet is poetically known. Located to the north-east of the city, amidst picturesque landscapes, it immediately immerses travellers in the atmosphere of this green and hospitable land. The airport bears the name of General Osmani, a hero of the independence struggle, and serves as a vital bridge connecting Bangladesh with the outside world, including direct flights from Europe which are unique for the region. Your journey to the famous Sufi shrines and endless emerald plantations begins here.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Sylhet Airport boasts a unique feature for a regional hub — it handles direct international flights from the UK (London, Manchester) and Middle Eastern countries. This is due to the large diaspora of people from Sylhet living abroad, making the airport an important meeting point for cultures and families.

The terminal is distinguished by a calm and friendly atmosphere, which contrasts favourably with the hustle and bustle of capital city airports. Here, travellers can find a basic set of services: a VIP lounge, prayer rooms, and small cafes. Currently, active modernization of the infrastructure and the construction of a new terminal are underway, designed to make the guests' stay even more comfortable and technologically advanced.

Below you will find contact information for Osmani International Airport (ZYL), serving the city of Sylhet. We recommend always checking the accuracy of the data on official resources before travelling.

• Official Website: caab.gov.bd/airports/osmani-international-airport-sylhet (Airport page on the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh website).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +880 821 714243.
• Address: Airport Road, Sylhet-3101, Bangladesh.
• Email: apmsylhet@caab.gov.bd (Airport Manager's email address).
• Social Media: Dedicated official social media pages for the airport may not exist. For updates, it is recommended to follow information on the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general enquiries, you can contact the inquiry service by phone. To resolve issues regarding tickets, check-in, and flight details, please contact your airline directly.

There are several ways to get to Osmani International Airport (ZYL), located approximately 8 kilometres north-east of the city centre of Sylhet. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The journey from the city centre usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes, but it is always worth allowing extra time for potential traffic jams, especially during peak hours.

Taxis, Auto-rickshaws (CNG), and Ride-hailing Services

The most convenient and popular way to get to the airport is to use a taxi or a motorised rickshaw, known locally as CNGs (due to running on Compressed Natural Gas). You can find them all over the city. It is strongly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before boarding, if the vehicle is not equipped with a meter. Ride-hailing app services also operate in Sylhet, which can be a more predictable option in terms of price and quality.

Public Transport

There are practically no direct bus routes from the city centre to the airport, so this option is not very convenient for tourists with luggage. Theoretically, one could use local buses to reach the major road nearest to the airport and then transfer to a rickshaw, but this would require good knowledge of the area and the language.

Car Rental and Transfers

For maximum comfort, you can book a private transfer in advance or rent a car with a driver. Many hotels and travel agencies in Sylhet offer this service. This is an excellent choice if you are travelling in a large group, with family, or plan to head straight to sightseeing in the surrounding areas after the airport. This option is the most expensive, but also the most predictable.

Airport Parking

If you are travelling around Bangladesh in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided on the premises of Sylhet Airport. You can leave your car here for both short and long periods. The cost of parking is relatively low.

Sylhet Airport, officially known as Osmani International Airport (ZYL), is a compact and functional aviation hub. Currently, there is one main passenger terminal operating here, which serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation, as all processes are concentrated in one building.

The terminal layout is quite simple and intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals. The general hall houses airline check-in counters where passengers drop off luggage and receive boarding passes. After checking in for international flights, it is necessary to pass through passport control and pre-flight security to enter the sterile zone with boarding gates. Since everything is in one terminal, there is no need to transfer between different buildings.

Check-in and security procedures at Sylhet Airport usually take less time than at major international hubs. Nevertheless, to avoid rushing, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time is generally sufficient for a calm passage through all formalities.

For convenient navigation through the terminal, pay attention to the signs, which are in Bengali and English. Follow the standard signs for "Departures" and "Arrivals". All key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other, making the stay at the airport comfortable even for those visiting for the first time.

The history of Osmani International Airport (ZYL), the main air gateway to the city of Sylhet, dates back to the British rule and the Second World War. It was initially built as a military airfield for the needs of the Royal Air Force. After the end of the war and the partition of India, it functioned for a long time as a modest airstrip serving domestic flights within East Pakistan.

After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the airport received its current name in honour of General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Forces and a national hero who was a native of the Sylhet region. This symbolic step marked the beginning of a new era in the airport's development, although its infrastructure remained limited for a long time.

A key event that defined the modern significance of the airport was the granting of international status in 1998. This decision was dictated by the need to establish direct air connections for the huge diaspora of people from Sylhet residing mainly in the UK and the Middle East. The first direct international flight took place on 3 May 2002, connecting Sylhet with Kuwait. This day became an important milestone, significantly simplifying travel for thousands of people.

With the growth of passenger traffic, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization. Work was carried out to expand and strengthen the runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft, and new navigation equipment was installed. In recent years, the most ambitious project in the airport's history has begun — the construction of a completely new international terminal, designed to increase capacity several times over and raise the level of passenger service to modern global standards.

Osmani International Airport (Sylhet) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is well-equipped to meet the basic needs of travellers.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat before your flight, enjoying local and international dishes, as well as tea or coffee. Small shops operate, including those selling souvenirs and duty-free goods, where you can purchase gifts and travel essentials.

For a more comfortable wait, VIP lounges are provided at the airport. Passengers can use them to relax in a quiet environment, away from the general hustle. Access to free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, and special stations are equipped for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can be resolved directly at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange counters operate here, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical centre for first aid.

The airport also caters to passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is available for travellers with children, and assistance with moving through the terminal and boarding is provided for passengers with reduced mobility. Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several accommodation options are located in close proximity. Basic business services may be available for business travellers, although specialised conference halls are absent.

Sylhet Airport (ZYL) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection here is not as vast as in major international hubs, travellers can experience local cuisine and satisfy their hunger while waiting for their flight. The main focus is on traditional Bengali and Asian cuisine.

The main dining establishments are located in the general area (landside), before passport control and security. Here you will find small cafes and the main restaurant where you can sit quietly. After passing through control (airside), in the departure zone, the choice is usually more limited to one or two kiosks offering drinks and light snacks. This is convenient for those who want to buy something just before boarding.

For a quick snack, we recommend trying local specialities — fragrant and filling samosas (pastries with vegetable or meat filling) or singaras. This is a great way to experience the street food of Bangladesh in comfortable conditions. For a full lunch or dinner, it is worth visiting the main restaurant, which usually serves set meals: rice with chicken or fish curry, as well as dal (thick lentil soup). Practically all food at the airport is prepared in accordance with Halal standards. Vegetarians can easily find vegetable curries and legume dishes. However, certified vegan or gluten-free options are rare, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff.

Prices in the airport establishments are moderate, although slightly higher than in the city of Sylhet itself. The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are generally tied to the flight schedule, so they are open during peak periods. If you are short on time, the kiosks in the departure zone are the best choice. If you have arrived early, it is worth visiting the restaurant in the general hall to enjoy a more substantial and authentic meal.

To ensure your journey through Osmani International Airport in Sylhet goes smoothly, make use of these helpful tips. A thoughtful approach will help save time, stress, and money, making the start and end of your trip around Bangladesh as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time: To avoid unnecessary rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities, even during busy periods.

Check-in and Security: Check-in and security procedures are standard but may take time. Keep your passport, air ticket, and other necessary documents ready. To speed up the process, familiarise yourself with your airline's hand luggage and baggage allowance rules in advance.

Seat Selection: If possible, choose your seat during online check-in, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. Window seats will offer you picturesque views, especially during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and freedom of movement around the cabin.

Hand Luggage: Standard international rules apply here: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin. Be prepared to remove all electronics (laptops, tablets) from your bag for separate scanning.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight in Sylhet, check with your airline in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check in again. The airport is small, so navigation will not cause difficulties, but be prepared that leisure options during the wait may be limited.

Customs Control: Upon arrival in the country, you will need to complete a customs declaration. Honestly declare all goods subject to duty to avoid fines. There are standard limits on the duty-free import of tobacco and other regulated goods for personal use.

Saving Time and Money: Check in for your flight online to avoid queues at counters. To avoid overpaying for water, bring an empty bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone. For purchases at the airport, it is better to use local currency (Bangladeshi Taka) to avoid unfavourable exchange rates.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be offered vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Valuable tip: take out travel insurance that covers such unforeseen situations.