Chakaria Airport

Military demobilization and strategic redundancy. The airfield was built for the specific purpose of supporting the Allied Burma Campaign during WWII. With the end of the war, its strategic military purpose ceased. It was not considered economically viable or necessary to convert it into a civilian airport, especially with larger, more established airfields at Chittagong and Cox's Bazar nearby.

The site is currently abandoned but the concrete runway remains largely intact, though weathered and overgrown in places. It is not used for any official aviation purposes. The paved runway is repurposed by local residents for various informal activities, including drying agricultural products (like paddy and chili peppers), as a local road for light vehicles and pedestrians, for cattle grazing, and as a recreational space or playground for children. The land is under the ownership of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Known historically as Chiringa Airfield, it was a critical forward airbase for the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) during the Burma Campaign of World War II (c. 1943-1945). It was a key operational base for fighter squadrons, such as those flying the Supermarine Spitfire, and transport aircraft. The airfield played a vital role in providing air support, reconnaissance, and supply missions against Japanese forces in Burma. Its location was strategic for launching raids and supporting ground troops, making it an important part of the network of airfields that contributed to the Allied victory in the region.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has expressed interest in renovating and reopening several abandoned WWII-era airstrips, including Chakaria. Proposals have been made to develop it into a domestic airport for short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft, a general aviation hub, or a flight training academy. The goal would be to boost regional connectivity and tourism, particularly given its proximity to the popular tourist destination of Cox's Bazar. However, as of early 2024, these plans remain in the proposal and feasibility study stage with no definitive timeline or allocated budget for construction to commence.