Jashore Airport or Jessore Airport is an airport in Jessore District, a part of the Khulna Division of Bangladesh. Situated 6 kilometers west of the Jessore city center, this is a vital airport linking the southwestern part of the nation with the rest of the country.
A Brief History
The airport was first built in 1940 during World War II to defend British India from Japanese invasion, by Royal Air Force in Jessore. The airport was used as a base for the Pakistan Air Force post-promulgation of the law. In 1951, Pakistan International Airlines started flights from Jessore to major cities including Dhaka, Karachi, Lahore, and Chattogram. After Bangladesh gained independence, control of the airport was handed to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and has been used for both civilian and military purposes.
Airport Facilities
Upgradation of Jessore Airport over the years has been done to improve passenger experience. The new terminal building has:
- 300 seats in a passenger-hauling arrangement
- Eight check-in counters
- VIP lounge
- Five scanners for peeping luggage
- Five arches for security checks
- Sufficient parking for cars, including VIP parking
These enhancements target a more comfortable & quicker experience for the passengers.
Airlines and Destinations
Jessore Airport is essentially a domestic airport with a number of airlines operating scheduled flights:
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines: Provides a daily flight to Dhaka
- US-Bangla Airlines: Operates daily flights to Dhaka and one weekly flight to Cox’s Bazar.
- Novoair: Flies to Dhaka every day.
These flights are important for business passengers, tourists and the people of Khulna Division — to connect with the capital — and other parts of the country.
Runway and Technical Details
It has one asphalt runway, designated 16/34, that is 2,439 meters (roughly 7,940 ft) long. The runway has the capacity of different types of planes for domestic flights. It is operated with the ICAO code of VGJR and the IATA code of JSR.
Military Significance
Apart from civilian flights, Jessore Airport is a base for the Bangladesh Air Force. Located within BAF Matiur Rahman Base, the airport is used for instructional purposes by the Bangladesh Air Force Academy.
Passenger Services
Passenger facilities at Jessore Airport:
- MTB Air Lounge: This lounge has a comfortable area right at the terminal where you can wait and relax before flying. Cold beverages, seating, and reading materials are just some of the amenities offered.
- Security Key Points: Airport has modern security keeping passenger safety in mind, it has luggage scanning machines and archways.
- Parking Spaces: There are many parking spaces provided for ordinary passengers and VIPs who are driving their cars.
Importance to the Region
Jessore Airport is the sole operational airport in the Khulna Division, which is a significant piece of infrastructure. It promotes trade, tourism, and business travel, driving economic growth. Once built, with connectivity from Dhaka and the rest of the country, the missing link will integrate the southwestern region into the national economy.
Future Developments
Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority has also taken part in expansion of the new airport on a bigger scale. Such developments are intended to address the growing number of passengers, and improve efficiency as a whole.
For the people of southwestern Bangladesh, Jessore Airport is one of the major gateways. The airport continues to serve as an important hub for the region, thanks to its past, present and future. When going for work or even pleasure, Jessore Airport is a great option to travel comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Jessore Airport located?
Ans: Jessore Airport is located 6 km west of Jessore city center in Khulna Division, Bangladesh.
2. What is the IATA code for Jessore Airport?
Ans: The IATA code is JSR.
3. Which airlines operate at Jessore Airport?
Ans: Biman Bangladesh, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novoair.
4. What are the destinations from Jessore Airport?
Ans: Flights are available to Dhaka daily and Cox’s Bazar weekly (by US-Bangla Airlines).
5. Is Jessore Airport used for military purposes?
Ans: Yes, it is also a base for the Bangladesh Air Force at BAF Matiur Rahman Base.
6. How long is the runway at Jessore Airport?
Ans: The runway is 2,439 meters (7,940 feet) long.
7. Does Jessore Airport have VIP facilities?
Ans: Yes, it has a VIP lounge and VIP parking.
8. What is the seating capacity in the new terminal?
Ans: The terminal has 300 passenger seats.
9. Are there security systems in place?
Ans: Yes, with 5 luggage scanners and 5 security archways.
10. Is there a passenger lounge at Jessore Airport?
Ans: Yes, the MTB Air Lounge offers seating, cold drinks, and reading materials.
