CHITTAGONG, May 31:–The government is expected to finalize the decision of handing over Shah Amanat International Airport (SAIA) in Chittagong to Thai Airways by next couple of days. (The Bangladesh Observer)

On the other hand, Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Alhajj ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury had been expressing his disagreement over the issue since the bid of handing over the airport to Thai Airways.

A top official of Bangladesh Biman told The Bangladesh Observer preferring anonymity that he (Mayor) might take it as a political issue, which may create problems.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has already given green signal about the decision to the newsmen.

He, however, told the reporters that surprises were waiting for all regarding the issue. He on Tuesday told the reporters at his office to wait and see.

He also said that that Bangladesh Biman and Thai Airways had held fruitful talks very recently on the issue.

Sources said that a meeting in this regard would be held tomorrow (Thursday) where the issue will be discussed widely.

Earlier, on December 01, 2005 the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and the Thai Airways International signed a contract in Dhaka to manage Shah Amanat International Airport.

Following receiving approval from the Cabinet on June 23, 2004, Thai Airways International was awarded the bid at a net amount of Taka 529 million to manage the Shah Amanat International Airport for a period of 10 years.

As per the agreement, Thai Airways will operate, maintain, and manage the airport terminal building, ramp handling, cargo handling, airport security and maintenance.

Thai Airways will also be responsible for collecting fees for airport landing charges, security charges, embarkation fees, as well as ground handling related fees on behalf of the CAAB, coordinating with other air carriers operating to and from the airport in Chittagong.