Comilla Airport (CLA)

Comilla Airport (VGCM/CLA) is largely non-operational for commercial passenger and cargo flights, having been neglected for nearly five decades. Therefore, recent traveler reviews and experiences are virtually non-existent. The airport currently functions primarily as a vital signal relay station for international aviation, guiding numerous daily flights, especially on Indian domestic routes and those heading to Agartala, Bangkok, and Singapore.

Current Status and Limited Operations:

• Dormant for Passenger Flights: Comilla Airport's terminal is still, and the air traffic control tower is dormant, with a skeleton staff overseeing the facility. The airport was originally established on 210 acres, but much of it now lies fallow, with parts reclaimed by nature.
• Signal Relay Station: Despite its non-operational status for passenger services, the airport plays a crucial role in aviation by guiding 25-30 international flights daily as a signal relay station.
• Security & Immigration (Automated Estimates): While there are no real-time traveler reports, AI-powered queue prediction services provide *estimated* wait times for Comilla Airport (CLA), indicating an average security wait of 26-29 minutes and immigration wait of 8 minutes. These estimates are likely based on general airport metrics rather than active passenger flow, given the airport's "Low Traffic" status.

Efforts Towards Revival:

• Potential Reopening: Discussions about breathing life back into the airport are ongoing, with officials suggesting a modest investment of approximately Tk 30 crore (BDT) for runway carpeting, fire services activation, and recruitment of skilled personnel.
• Economic Importance: Local businesses and expatriates in Cumilla emphasize the urgent need for the airport's reopening to facilitate travel for foreign investors, boost industrial growth, and provide a domestic travel option for the high number of expatriates from the region.

In summary, Comilla Airport (VGCM/CLA) is not currently serving commercial passengers, meaning there are no recent traveler experiences to review. Its future, however, is a subject of discussion and hope among local communities and businesses who see its revival as crucial for regional development.