As the inauguration of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka approaches next month, the country is poised to witness a surge in foreign air carriers that operate flights.
This development comes as various airlines have engaged in discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to solidify their plans, with some already confirming their operations.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali said, “The government’s vision of establishing the country as a pivotal aviation hub. This has paved the way for foreign carriers to be warmly welcomed to conduct air operations from Bangladesh.”
The number of foreign airlines operating within Bangladesh is set to rise significantly from the current count of 33, potentially surpassing 50, following the planned soft launch of the third terminal at Dhaka airport this year, sources said.
CAAB has already granted operating permissions to prominent airlines such as Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines, indicating the growing interest in Bangladesh's aviation market.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Iraqi Airways, and Royal Jordanian Airlines have expressed their intent to establish flight operations to and from Bangladesh.
Around 30 globally renowned air operators are actively considering entry into the Bangladeshi market. This influx of foreign carriers is expected to significantly enhance travel options for passengers, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
CAAB sources said that the authority has declined the UAEs proposal for fifth freedom rights, which would have allowed UAE operators to run flights connecting Bangladesh and third-party nations.
However, there is a chance that this appeal could be reconsidered once the third terminal is completed.
Those who have expressed their interest
Exciting shifts are underway in the country’s aviation sector, with carriers beyond the UAE expressing keen interest. Notable airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Iran Air, and Iraqi Airways, along with two Indian airlines, are eyeing the opportunity to establish services in Dhaka, the nation’s capital.
Their vision involves creating new air routes that would interlink the country with a wide array of global destinations, thereby significantly enhancing travel alternatives for passengers.
Speaking to The Business Post, CAAB Chairman Air vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman said, “Ethiopian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), British Airways, Garuda Indonesia, and Iraq Airlines are among the prominent names looking to establish flight operations to and from Bangladesh.”
Of special interest is PIA, which has expressed its eagerness to recommend flight services after a suspension spanning six years. British Airways is also seeking to restore its flights to and from Bangladesh, marking a return after a hiatus of 12 years. These endeavors collectively signify a dynamic transformation in the aviation landscape of Bangladesh, he added.
Industry insiders say as the nation takes strides toward its vision of becoming an aviation hub, all eyes are on the upcoming developments that will shape the future of travel and commerce for the country and its international partners.
A ministry official anonymously told The Business Post that to operate flights from/to Bangladesh there must have an Air Service Agreement (ASA) between both countries. Like, the country has ASA with Ethiopia, hence, soon Ethiopian airlines will start their flight operation from Bangladesh.
