International clothing retailers prefer Delhi airport over Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) due to lower tariffs, despite a 1,900 km distance. Shipping costs $3/kg from HSIA to Europe, compared to $1.2/kg via Delhi. HSIA imposes a 72% surcharge for ground handling and a 60% fine for late payment. In July-March of the current fiscal year, 165,000 tonnes of cargo were shipped from HSIA, including 134,000 tonnes of garments. In 2022-23, 167,000 tonnes were exported, including 142,000 tonnes of garments.
Over 8,000 tonnes of cargo were diverted to Delhi last year due to higher tariffs. Local airlines and related sectors suffer losses due to high charges. Freight charges at Dhaka airport are described as extremely high. Exporters save 40-50 US cents/kg by using Delhi airport. Increased air shipments due to attacks on commercial vessels in the Suez Canal have strained Delhi airport, leading to delays. Cargo village at HSIA struggles to meet demand and faces theft issues. Qatar and Etihad have reduced cargo flights from HSIA. About 60% of air cargo from Bangladesh is transported by passenger aircraft.