The Air Traffic Management Center and Control Tower (ATMCCT) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is a critical piece of national infrastructure designed to modernize Bangladesh's airspace security and operational efficiency. Developed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) in partnership with the French aerospace leader Thales, this project replaces aging analog systems with state-of-the-art digital surveillance and automation technologies.
The ATMCCT serves as the nerve center for the country’s nationwide Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, ensuring ICAO-compliant safety standards for both commercial and military aviation.
Project Architecture & Structural Design
The project consists of two primary interconnected structures: the iconic Control Tower and the high-tech Management Center.
- Control Tower: An iconic 45-meter high tower designed for a 360-degree unobstructed view of the runways, taxiways, and aprons.
- Management Center: A dedicated building housing the ATC automation systems, primary and secondary radar processing units, and countrywide communication hubs.
- Façade Systems: The building envelope utilizes a sophisticated mix of Semi-unitized and Stick façade systems.
- Tower Building: Features a continuous, high-performance glass façade to provide maximum visibility and structural sleekness.
- Management Building: Employs floor-to-floor glazing to balance natural lighting with the thermal insulation required for sensitive electronic equipment.
Technical & Surveillance Infrastructure
The ATMCCT is equipped with a turnkey modernization suite that brings the entire Bangladesh airspace, including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), under digital surveillance.
- Radar Systems: Installation of STAR NG (Primary) and RSM (Secondary) radars, enabling the detection of all aircraft, including those previously invisible to older systems.
- Automation & Data: Integration of TopSky-ATC automation, ADS-B, Wide Area Multilateration (WAM), and Airport Multilateration (MLAT).
- Communications: A countrywide VSAT communication network with terrestrial backups to ensure uninterrupted contact with regional airports and international flights.
- Security: An integrated platform providing comprehensive CCTV coverage and advanced access control for this high-security facility.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Details |
| Location |
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka |
| Tower Height |
45 Meters |
| Total Project Cost |
Approximately BDT 658.4 Crore (fully government-funded) |
| Technology Partner |
Thales (France) |
| Compliance |
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Standards |
| System Category |
CNS/ATM (Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance) |
Strategic Impact
- Airspace Sovereignty: Enables Bangladesh to accurately track and manage all foreign aircraft transiting its airspace, significantly increasing revenue through overflight fees.
- Operational Safety: Removes technical constraints on air navigation, allowing for safer take-offs and landings even during peak traffic periods.
- Regional Hub Potential: By implementing world-class ATM infrastructure, the project positions HSIA to become a more efficient regional hub for South Asian air travel.
