7-8 new foreign airlines in efforts to fly in Bangladesh's sky

Dhaka : At least seven-eight new foreign airlines have expressed their interest in setting up operations in the Bangladesh aviation market as it shows great commercial potential. 

According to reports, the number of foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh will potentially exceed to at least 40, up from the current 33, following the planned soft launch of the third terminal at Dhaka airport in October 2023.

EgyptAir, the latest foreign entrant in the Bangladesh market, already started operating direct flights on Dhaka-Cairo route from May 14. 

India's budget airline SpiceJet has unveiled plans to commence flights from India's northeast region to Bangladesh by the end of June.

As per a recent statement released by the carrier, it will introduce a flight on the Agartala-Chattogram-Agartala route by the end of June. 

Moreover, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has already granted permission to Ethiopian Airlines to operate flights from Bangladesh. Additionally, the approval process for the ultra-low-cost airline, Wizz Air, based in Abu Dhabi, is currently underway.

Reports cited CAAB Chairman M Mafidur Rahman saying, "Ethiopia is expected to commence flight operations within a month. Abu Dhabi's Wizz Air has also expressed interest, but due to space constraints in Dhaka, they have been advised to initiate operations from Chattogram." 

Additionally, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Iraqi Airways, and Royal Jordanian Airlines have shown interest in operating flights to Bangladesh. 

Discussions have also been held with the French authorities as Air France has expressed their desire to operate in Bangladesh. 

Interest has also been expressed from Spain, and talks will be initiated with Air Canada, CAAB Chairman further added. 

According to reports citing CAAB officials, British Airways and Garuda Indonesia have also shown their interest to operate flights in Bangladesh.