Bangladesh is set to host its maiden International Airlines Football Championship (AFC) 2026 on July 3-4, bringing together domestic and foreign airlines in a two-day football tournament to promote camaraderie and networking within the country's aviation industry.

The tournament, organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), the only organisation of the country representing the journalists covering the aviation and tourism sectors, will be held at the Gulshan Youth Club Turf Ground in the capital.

The championship, with the theme “One Sky, One Field, One Champion”, will be held with 16 airlines operating in Bangladesh, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair, Air Astra, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Silk Way West Airlines and flydubai.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita is expected to attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest.

Ambassadors and high commissioners of numerous countries stationed in Dhaka, airline country managers, senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and other aviation sector stakeholders are also anticipated to attend.

Winners of the tournament will receive trophies, medals and awards in different categories.

VIP Motors serves as the powered-by sponsor, while Envoy-Sheltech Aviation serves as the championship's title sponsor. Mutual Trust Bank, Firsttrip, Work Station, and Pleiadis Bangladesh Limited (PBL) have become co-sponsors.

The media partner is Aviation Express, the hospitality partner is Crowne Plaza Dhaka-Gulshan, and the strategic partner is Dhaka Airlines Club. Famous Specialized Hospital will provide healthcare support, while Famous Creation will serve as the event support partner.

ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar said the tournament aims to strengthen friendship, communication, and cooperation among professionals working in Bangladesh's rapidly expanding aviation sector.

"This is not just a sporting event; it is a unique initiative to foster unity, goodwill, and collaboration among members of the aviation community," he said, adding that the championship trophy will be unveiled at a ceremony in Dhaka two days before the tournament.

Tournament Director and ATJFB Organising Secretary Md Adnan Rahman said the event was inspired by the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup and seeks to promote teamwork, healthy competition, and stronger professional relationships among aviation personnel.

He said the organisers also hope to create an effective networking platform for stakeholders across the aviation industry, helping strengthen cooperation among participating airlines and contributing to the sector's future development.

According to the organisers, the championship is already being recognized as a groundbreaking initiative for Bangladesh's aviation sector, as it is the first time that domestic and international airlines have competed on the same sporting stage.