Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal Intl Airport (DAC) Flights & Flight Status

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is the largest airport in Bangladesh. The airport added a third terminal designed by the Singaporean architect Rohani Baharin, and the result is gorgeous. DAC is roughly 50 years old, but continues to support almost all of the traffic into the relatively small country of Bangladesh.

I have personally flown through here several times to spend time in Dhaka, and also en route to Bhutan because this is one of the few paths to get there. Here’s everything you need to know about this airport, along with my personal top tips for navigating DAC.

Terminals

With the recently added third terminal, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are now for international flights and are located in the same building. The ground floor is for arrivals and the upper floor is for departures in both of these terminals. Terminal 3, which is a separate structure, is the new domestic terminal for flights within Bangladesh.

Location

DAC is located just 10 miles north of the city centre of Dhaka. It’s close and easy to get to from most parts of the city. Even if you're just here for a few hours, I find it worth going into town to see the beauty of the city, including its many forts and ancient attractions.

Rickshaw or car to DAC

There are lots of ways to travel between the city and the airport. I have loved taking a rickshaw (tuk-tuk), and they park right outside the terminals and across the road at the train station. You can just hop in, and it’s inexpensive.

I love feeling that hot humid air in my hair when riding in a rickshaw, but if that is not your vibe, there are also taxis parked outside. This is an easy way to get to the city or your hotel, but be sure to negotiate the price before you get in.

It can be a bit chaotic trying to get a taxi among the crowd at DAC, but there are also rideshare options if you want to avoid the stress of the crowd or don’t feel like negotiating prices.

Train and bus

​​Train and bus options are available, but they’re not my first choice of recommendation. They’re certainly an option, though, and you might make friends and have a few exciting memories.

The train station is outside the terminal and across the street, but train schedules are a bit hard to navigate here. The station is called Biman Station and there are all kinds of routes and places the train will take you, including to the city centre.

The bus stop is right outside the terminal and basically runs to the city centre for very little money. Note that it is very busy, so be prepared with patience and a little sense of wonder at the crowds and commotion. People here are friendly and speak English, but it will be an adventure.

Parking at the airport

I drove around Bangladesh and loved it, but I do think this option is only for the true explorer. If you choose to drive, there are two areas to park at the airport. One is open while the other is a closed car park in a two-storey building.

Just follow the signs as you arrive at the airport, or as you leave the terminals after a flight. Be sure that you pay the required amount – it’s a little complicated to work it all out, but if you do not, they are rather strict with fines. Driving in Bangladesh can be a bit chaotic so be mindful and make sure you have ample insurance.

Hiring a car

The airport has a car hire service facility and it is located in the arrivals hall, before exit Canopy 1 and Canopy 2. Just follow the signs to find it. I have to say hiring a car here was a little more complicated than I had anticipated, but people here are helpful, so you will likely get any assistance you need.

You won’t find all the familiar car brands here, so I recommend researching the options in advance and choosing your favourite. And again, go for as much insurance as you can manage.

Shopping at the airport

This airport has a small duty-free area. Here you’ll find alcohol, perfumes and other familiar items. What I love most at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, though, are the handful of shops selling gorgeous souvenirs.

You’ll find incredible, locally handcrafted Bangladeshi items like textiles and other clothing items. I have picked up many gifts here and have always found the quality to be incredible. I personally recommend the beautiful embroidery. Of course, the pink pearls, or “mukta,” are also sold here and make a great gift for your loved ones.

Banking at the airport

At the time of writing, this airport does not yet have a full-service bank. It’s possible one will arrive as Terminal 3 continues to develop and offer additional services, but for now there are ATMs scattered all around the airport.

Cash is king in Bangladesh, so you will want to take advantage of one of these on arrival. You can also use the currency exchanges, which are in the arrivals areas of all three terminals.

Drinking and eating at the airport

It’s a rather small airport for such a big city, especially considering how many passengers come through here, so amenities are limited. Still, they do have a few places where you can find decent snacks and drinks. But my advice is to come with what you need beforehand.

Spices is one restaurant I have enjoyed, and the simple space has an English menu available. I recommend trying the Bangladeshi dishes, and I’m especially fond of the curries here, served with rice of course.

Purchasing alcohol in Bangladesh is not a straightforward process. You will need a special permit that is not always easy to get, but many hotels can arrange this for you. Check with your hotel in advance if you want to buy drinks during your time in the country, including at the airport, rather than waiting until arrival.

Hotels at the airport

There are very limited options for airport hotels at DAC. If necessary, I recommend the Best Western Plus Maple Leaf. It’s clean and it is just two minutes from the terminal – just walk out of the terminal, turn left and it will be on your left-hand side. The staff are friendly and can assist with any needs.

There is also a Le Meridian hotel about 2 miles away from the airport, and you can get there quickly with an easy rickshaw ride. Le Meridien also offers a shuttle service, but you need to arrange this beforehand. This hotel has updated facilities and also a great restaurant with local cuisine. It’s a better option, but not walkable, especially with luggage.

Wi-Fi at the airport

If you do not possess a Bangladeshi SIM card there is still an option to get connected. DAC has a booth where you can get connected with Wi-Fi, but of course this does not always work.

When it does, keep in mind that this service is sponsored so you will need to watch some ads, but it’s a small price to pay. You can also buy a local SIM card in the terminals if you don’t have free or affordable international roaming. It’s easy and inexpensive.

Lounges at the airport

This airport has a bunch of lounge options. I have tried them all and I like InterContinental Dhaka Balaka Executive Lounge in Terminal 1 the most. The food is fantastic and they have many of the amenities you may need in a quiet space with friendly staff. I love their selection of papers and magazines, many of which I have never found elsewhere, even though they are in English.