Dhaka Airport

No shops, no WiFi, no entertainment, the facilities were closed off by a palm tree. Building still had panels hanging when I travelled through, but can't really complain as the area had recently been hit with a major earthquake. Not a fan of the airport at all.

I have been visiting Bangladesh frequently for the past few years. I don't expect much, however, there are just some things that really get on my nerves. The hygiene, I suppose, is tolerable, but the service is awful. They use such old technology, creating longer queues and making the travelers do more work. I stand in such long queues just to get to a counter of more paperwork, while other travelers get in through without waiting just because they know the people working there. Overall my experiences were not great.

Everything is slow in this airport with lots of mosquito's. Toilets filthy and the attendant is not shy to ask for a tip. Security on departure is non-existent. Broken down x-rays machines, not working displays with gate information. Luggage on arrival takes ages, so does immigration. Everything with pen and paper, no computers? All the duty free shops sell the same things at the same prices.

It is like a tale of two airports - departure was a breeze (though there was some confusion about whether we needed to pay the new departure tax) with a quick check in and quick immigration, while arriving was the usual chaotic scrum. Immigration took about 30 minutes though there wasn't really a queue to speak of. Upon leaving we did find a desk offering reasonably priced transfers (with a little bargaining of course). I was surprised to see some nice new toilets in the departure area though the airport still lacks a good array of eateries (and the shops all sell basically the same things). There is also a lack of places to sit once are in the departure area (except at the gates after the security check).

Was in Dhaka again a few days ago. Arrival procedures slow again very slow it takes ages to get your luggage. Immigration is from the 50's paper and paper work as others say here: mosquitos are the real hassle in the airport this time the toilets at immigration were available. Departure: there was a cricket match going on on TV meaning all staff in shops restaurants and security were more interested in the game then serving you.

Bangladesh is chaos so is the airport. Upon arrival had to wait more than 1 hour before I saw my bag on the belt. Immigration reasonably fast but be aware no toilets there. Upon departure a few days later security had to be bribed as they saw a bottle of wine in my bag which "was not allowed". At the gate security non-existent x-ray machine broken down people scanner broken down and then there is a guy in plain clothes padding your jacket that is what you call security? Duty free shops there are at least 6 of them all selling the same stuff. Toilets adequate and yes there are 2 smoking rooms.

Having lived in Dhaka for almost 3 years during which time I have travelled through both the Dhaka domestic and international terminals more times than I can remember. During my time in Dhaka there have been some very minor improvements although none that I have seen in the domestic terminal. E.g. there is now a decent barista coffee shop and a few new duty free shops (although a number of them sell nothing except chocolate and cosmetics - no alcohol) in the departure lounge. However overall the Dhaka airport still ranks as one of the worst anywhere in the world. It is extremely dirty bathroom facilities are disgusting staff are rude and generally unhelpful immigration is a joke (locals are allowed to queue anywhere including in the lanes marked Foreign Passport and VIP only) check-in is terrible again people can que anywhere (business or economy). The place is full of dengue carrying mosquito. The only minor saving grace is the AMEX business lounge which is relatively clean but the food is pretty bad and you get 1 only complimentary drink after which they are expensive.

I think Dhaka international airport lounge is quite decent clean and has been improving. Ok its not Dubai standard but better than many international airports in the region like India. The free wifi is the best I have seen so far in comparison to other airports I have used. The coffee in the small cafe is quite good and not over priced. If you are buying chocolate the prices are reasonable. The seats could be improved.

I have travelled through Dhaka international airport quite a few times in the last five years. I am not sure why people say it is improving as it is not. It stays exactly the same just like anything else government run in the country. All government institutions have an absolute aversion to any sort of change. There are a few less mosquitoes in the baggage claim area that is the only positive thing I can say. Immigration on arrival means long and slow moving queues. The Ruposhi Bangla business lounge is poor with limited seating and similarly limited range of snacks and drinks. The wifi did not work on my way out. The City Bank Amex lounge looks better so getting a card if you are a regular visitor could be worthwhile. They also have the only lounge in the domestic terminal. The domestic terminal has improved a bit over the last few years. The departure lounge is clean and the air conditioning working.

I often visit Bangladesh every time I go I see improvements. Airport staff are friendly immigration services are just cool duty free shop's are also okay. The whole airport is quite clean. Custom services are also good if you have declared correctly then it's smooth. One thing they need to have are public phones on site.