Sylhet
Airfield Identification
WWII to present
Bangladesh
CITY: Sylhet
IATA/ICAO CODES: ZYL / VGSY
COORDINATES: 24°58'N / 91°52'E
OTHER NAMES: Sylhet, Sylhet Civil Airport, Osmani International
Commando Operations
Sylhet airfield was built by the British during World War II, with the intent to counter the Japanese advance in Burma. It played a central role in countering the Japanese offensive on Imphal between March and July 1944, and in the later Allied thrust into Burma. Commandos of the 4th Combat Cargo Group were based in Sylhet in late 1944, flying missions to support troops advancing into the Burmese jungle.
Today, the airfield has become Osmani International Airport, serving the city of Sylhet, the third largest in the country.
Units & operators based
1st Combat Cargo Group (August 1944 to November 1944)
1st Combat Cargo Group, 3rd Combat Cargo Squadron (August 1944 to October 1944)
4th Combat Cargo Group (November 1944 to December 1944)
4th Combat Cargo Group, 16th Combat Cargo Squadron (December 1944)
Last edited: 07/07/2019