The country’s first dedicated jet fuel pipeline began operations at Shah Amanat International Airport, ending the need for regular road tanker deliveries and bringing faster, safer fuel supply to aircraft. The six-kilometre pipeline runs from Padma Oil Company’s main terminal in Patenga directly to the airport, and it was built by Padma Oil, part of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. The line can move 140 cubic metres of jet fuel each hour, so a full delivery now takes about ninety minutes instead of many hours by road. The project cost about Tk155 crore, which is around $1.8 million, and officials expect transport savings of roughly Tk2.5 crore a year, while also lowering the chances of accidents and spills during fuel movement. Company leaders say the pipeline makes airport fuel handling more modern and eco-friendly, with steady flow, fewer truck movements on public roads, and clearer planning for aircraft refuelling. Engineers and airport staff tested the system carefully before it opened and report that it works reliably and keeps fuel handling staff safer. The pipeline also helps scheduling because fuel can arrive at set times and in the exact amounts needed, so flight operators can plan turns more easily and reduce delays linked to fuel delivery. Project managers say the pipeline was completed ahead of plan and under budget, a sign that better planning and local skills can deliver useful infrastructure quickly. The shorter delivery time and lower transport costs should let the airport and fuel company focus funds and staff on service improvements, while the reduced truck traffic brings a quieter and less polluted local environment. Local leaders and energy officials praised the move as a practical step toward modern fuel logistics, and they said it will encourage similar projects where big fuel users need safe supply. For pilots and ground crews, steady pipeline delivery reduces waiting, helps maintain fuel quality, and lowers the chance of contamination that can come from repeated road loading. The shift from many road tankers to one sealed pipeline is meant to cut risk, save money, and make the whole airport fuel chain more reliable. As operations continue, managers plan to monitor the pipeline closely, share lessons with other airports, and look for more ways to use steady, safe fuel delivery to support smoother flights and better service for passengers. The new line offers work for local engineers and creates chances for training and jobs in pipeline care. Staff will check pipes and valves, and safety drills will keep emergency teams ready. The company plans to use data from sensors to spot problems early and fix them before they grow. This practical approach can help other airports plan similar pipelines that serve passengers and local communities well.
