, April 29 -- The government has initiated a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the reopening of several closed and underutilised airports as part of a broader plan to strengthen domestic air connectivity and promote balanced regional development.

Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam made the announcement in Parliament on Wednesday while responding to a starred question from ruling party lawmaker SM Jahangir Hossain, elected from Dhaka-18.

Bangladesh currently has 17 airports and aviation facilities including international and domestic airports, navigation installations, Bangladesh Air Force-operated bases, and former Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airfields, she said.

Among them, three international airports...