Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)

Dhaka, BD 🇧🇩 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

VGHS

IATA

DAC

Elevation

30 ft

Region

BD-3

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: VGHS

Local Code: 5500

Location: 23.843347° N, 90.397783° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: VGZR Zia International Airport Dacca International Airport Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (VGHS (DAC)) presents a mixed but generally improving experience for travelers. While historically facing challenges, recent upgrades and the introduction of Terminal 3 have led to a noticeable increase in positive sentiment and passenger satisfaction. Many travelers now report smoother processes, though some inconsistencies persist, particularly concerning older facilities.

What Travelers Love
  • New Terminal 3 (T3): Travelers praise the spacious design, modern immigration systems, enhanced security measures, and improved seating arrangements within the newly constructed Terminal 3.
  • Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many passengers appreciate the polite, friendly, and welcoming airport staff who are generally willing to assist.
  • Improved Immigration and Baggage Handling: Recent reports indicate faster immigration clearance and a 99.8% success rate in luggage delivery, contributing to a smoother arrival experience.
  • Strategic Location: The airport's location just 17 kilometers from Dhaka city center makes it easily accessible, with various transportation options available.
  • Better Shopping and Currency Exchange: Some travelers note that the airport offers better currency exchange rates and cheaper duty-free shops compared to other international airports.
Common Complaints
  • Cleanliness and Air Conditioning in Older Terminals: Travelers frequently mention cleanliness issues in older terminals and washrooms, and inconsistent or poor air conditioning, leading to uncomfortable temperatures.
  • Long Wait Times (Peak Hours/Older Terminals): Despite improvements, long queues at immigration and baggage claim can still occur, especially in the older terminals and during peak travel times. Security wait times are estimated around 29 minutes and immigration at 8 minutes, but these can fluctuate.
  • Scammers Outside the Airport: A significant concern is the presence of unaffiliated scammers outside the "official" airport who attempt to charge exorbitant fees for baggage handling.
  • Slow or Inconsistent Wi-Fi: Many reviews highlight slow Wi-Fi connectivity or difficulties in accessing it, sometimes requiring a local mobile number.
  • Traffic Congestion to/from Airport: The heavy traffic in Dhaka can make the journey to and from the airport unpredictable and time-consuming.

Overall, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is undergoing a transition with its new Terminal 3 significantly enhancing the traveler experience. While considerable improvements have been made in efficiency and modernization, visitors should still be prepared for potential challenges in older areas of the airport, particularly regarding cleanliness and congestion, and exercise caution with external services.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
14 80 14 Nov 25, 2025
20 77 20 Nov 25, 2025
Novo Air
NVQ / VQ
4 44 4 Nov 25, 2025
Air Astra
AWA / 2A
4 38 4 Oct 13, 2025
IndiGO
IGO / 6E
5 18 5 Nov 25, 2025
Air Arabia
ABY / G9
1 14 1 Sep 20, 2025
Saudia
SVA / SV
3 11 3 Jul 26, 2025
1 7 1 Jul 26, 2025
FitsAir
EXV / 8D
1 6 1 Jul 26, 2025
Oman Air
OMA / WY
1 5 1 Sep 20, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
14/32 11500 ft 150 ft PEM Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP DHAKA APP 121.3 MHz
ATIS DHAKA ATIS 127.4 MHz
GND DHAKA GND 121.8 MHz
RDO DHAKA RDO 294.7 MHz
TWR DHAKA TWR 118.3 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
DAC Dhaka VOR-DME 112700 kHz
DCN Dhaka NDB 298 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official prepaid airport taxis are available from booths in the arrival hall, offering fixed rates to various city destinations. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are widely used and can be booked via their mobile apps for pickup at designated points outside the terminal. Traditional yellow taxis and CNG auto-rickshaws are also available, but it is crucial to negotiate the fare before starting your journey as meters are often not used.

Rental Cars

Several local and international car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. It is common and often recommended to rent a car with a driver included. Services can be booked on arrival, but pre-booking online is advisable for better rates and guaranteed availability. These services offer a range of vehicles for city travel or longer inter-city trips.

Public Transportation

The Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line-6) provides a modern and fast connection to the city; the nearest station can be reached via a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride from the airport. There are also airport bus services connecting the airport to major hubs like Motijheel and Gulshan. While numerous local public buses stop on the main road outside the airport, they are often very crowded and can be challenging for visitors with luggage.

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