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Bangladesh Air Force Museum. Photo by MdsShakil.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Bangladesh Air Force Museum

The Bangladesh Air Force Museum is located in Dhaka. It is one of the many museums in the area. It showcases the culture and history of the Bangladeshi Air Force. There are lots of planes and helicopters on display, including fighter jets that took part in the 1971 Bangladeshi Liberation war with Pakistan.

 Aircraft that have contributed to the history of the country are also on exhibit. These include the first passenger aircraft of Bangladesh with a capacity of 44 passengers.

The museum is situated on the western side of Tejgaon Old airport runway at Argagaon, Dhaka. Besides aircraft, there are model missiles, rockets, and radars.

The area is quite extensive, consisting of a green field, an amusement park, and a mini-zoo. It is perfect for family hangouts, with vast space for kids to play, rides, and shows for both children and adults.

 Of course, if you are an aircraft enthusiast, a history lover and you’re wondering what to do in Dhaka, this open-air aircraft museum is a perfect pick. Here is some top interesting facts about Bangladesh Air Force Museum.

1. Bangladesh Air Force Museum was first established in 1987

Bangladesh Air Force Museum, Dhaka. Photo by Masum al Hasan.

It was established on 17 June 1897 and was located in the No-3 hanger of the Bangladesh Air Force Base Bashar in Dhaka. It was not open to the public as it is now, although a military march would be held annually in December. There would be a 3 days-long army weaponry show alongside the march.

2. It was opened to the public in 2014

People admire the BAF MIG-21. Photo by Shadman Samee. Wikimedia Commons.

The museum became officially open and accessible to the public in October 2014. Both locals and tourists now visit to view the old aircraft, learn about the history of the air force, or just hang out in the green parks, under the beautiful blue skies.

An entry fee is charged, and one has to pay extra for the train or boat rides inside. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday. It closes at 8 pm.

3. The Bangladesh Air Force runs the museum

BAF Museum. Photo by MdsShakil.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is the air defense unit of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. It was established in 1971 during the Liberation War which led to the formation of the Bangladesh state.

Since then, it has served the country in combat and participated in UN peace-keeping missions. Some of the aircraft used by the air force during the 1971 liberation war are on exhibit in the museum. It serves to preserve the history and glory of the air force.

4. The Museum contains an interesting vintage collection of aircraft

PT-6 aircraft at the Bangladesh Air Force Museum. Photo by MdsShakil.

It has an outdoor exhibition of several airplanes, helicopters, and fighter jets. These are from various countries, including Russia, China, the USA, New Zealand, India, and Germany.

Most of these were in use in the 1970s. They include Dakota aircraft, the MIG- 21, Mukti Bahini Hunter Jets, PT- 6 Aircraft, and the T-37 Aircraft. There are training aircraft too, in use, and visitors can watch as training pilots take off.

The first passenger aircraft of Bangladesh, made in Russia, is also on-site. It has a capacity of 44 and was later added to the Bangladesh Air Force.

5. Some of the aircraft used in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war are on display at the museum

Bangladesh Air-Force DHE-3-Otter-at BAF-Museum. Photo by Sonet069.

One of the most famous combat operations by the Bangladesh Air Force during the 1971 independence war is Operation Kilo Flight. The code name is used for the Mukti Bahini (Bengali guerilla resistance movement) operation in launching airstrikes on Pakistani targets.

Some of the aircraft used include the DC Dakota and the DHC-3 Otter aircraft.  The latter is a single-engine short take-off and landing aircraft. The Otter aircraft is on display at the museum.

6. There are galleries showcasing various aspects of the Bangladesh Air Force

There are several galleries at the museum, all highlighting parts of the history of the Bangladesh Air Force, and the 1971 Independence War. Learn more about the history of the war at the Liberation War gallery. There’s also a gallery showing medals and army uniforms from different years.

7. Visitors can shop at a souvenir store at the museum

Who doesn’t want to take home a souvenir from such a historic museum? Lucky for visitors, there is a souvenir corner right on the grounds. People can buy mugs and t-shirts with monograms of the National Air Force.

8. The museum area has a beautiful children’s park

BAF Museum. Photo by AriflHossain.ED.

The museum grounds are quite extensive. They are green with grass and trees, beautiful to have a park here.

The amusement park for kids is a fantastic area to have a family hangout, play, or leave your kids to have fun as you walk off to view the old aircraft just in case they’re not into that kind of stuff.

There are shows and train rides perfect for children and even adults who want to relax.

9. You can’t go hungry with the food courts on site!

Naru, a popular Bengali coconut sweet. Photo by Shourav Sheikh from

After a long walk around the various stops at the museum, a tasty bite is probably the next best thing. There are several food courts at BAF Museum.

There is also an open sky restaurant, where you can savor Bengali delicacies under the beautiful blue skies. The museum has a natural vibe to it, it’s green, breezy, and vast.

10. There are lots of fun activities to do at the BAF museum

Let’s just put it this way, everyone is catered for here! Maybe you’re not into old aircraft, but just want to relax with your friends and hang out in a cool relaxing place.

There’s a mini zoo at the museum with bird species and the spotted chital deer. You can pay to take a boat ride on the mini-lake too. Or take train rides, watch shows and take pictures.

Visitors are allowed to enter some of the aircraft too, so that’s pretty cool for aircraft fans. The museum is undoubtedly one of the top go-to places in Dhaka.