Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is organized around adjacent Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 2 (primarily domestic), with a VIP complex on the north side and Terminal 3 under construction just east of the current buildings. Terminal 1 handles most international departures and arrivals, using upper-level departures and lower-level arrivals linked by escalators and elevators. Terminal 2 mirrors that split-level layout but serves domestic airlines, and the two terminals connect via a short covered walkway at the departures level as well as ground-side curb space. Expect a 5–8 minute walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, depending on crowding; inside each terminal, walking from check-in to the furthest gate usually takes 8–12 minutes. Arriving passengers can transfer landside by following bilingual signage to the interterminal corridor, while checked-through international-to-domestic connections sometimes allow supervised transfers airside when coordinated with the carrier. Terminal 3 construction occasionally alters curb traffic, so allow buffer time for drop-offs. Security screening occurs before passport control in Terminal 1 and before boarding zones in Terminal 2. Lines routinely build during late-night bank departures for the Middle East and Asia; 30–60 minute waits are common in those peaks, while daytime off-peak waits hover around 15–25 minutes. Secondary document checks can occur at the gate for U.S., U.K., or Schengen-bound flights. Immigration for arrivals is manual and can be slow at peak times; dedicated counters exist for Bangladeshi nationals, foreign passport holders, and diplomats, with customs inspection immediately after baggage claim. Amenities include multiple lounges: the Balaka Executive Lounge (Terminal 1), MTB lounge space near the duty-free zone, and airline lounges for premium passengers. Food courts with Bangladeshi and international options sit on the mezzanine of Terminal 1 and in the departure lounge of Terminal 2, alongside prayer rooms, pharmacies, currency exchange desks, and duty-free shops. Wi‑Fi coverage is improving but can be inconsistent, so travelers often rely on local SIM kiosks landside. Elevators, ramps, tactile paving in newer areas, and wheelchair services arranged through airlines provide accessibility support. Family-friendly facilities include baby-care rooms near several gates in Terminal 1 and at least one nursing room in Terminal 2’s departure lounge. Stroller access is available via elevators near the central atrium, and family restrooms are colocated with standard washrooms. Large seating bays make it easy to keep groups together, and bottled water vendors and pharmacies near the check-in halls help parents restock essentials before flights.