Dhaka, Aug. 17 -- Cox's Bazar Airport could begin handling international flights in October, according to Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

He visited the airport on Sunday to inspect the progress of the new terminal and extended runway.

"A team from Civil Aviation headquarters has come with me. We hope that by mid-October this airport will be partially ready to operate international flights," he said.

"This airport will not only boost tourism but also play a significant role in the country's economic development. Cox's Bazar will become an international destination," Mostafa added.

When asked about the percentage of work completed, he replied: "I will not go into f...