Business Desk :
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has decided to cut flights from Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram despite strong passenger demand, sparking frustration among travellers and stakeholders in the port city.
From September 10, the national flag carrier will suspend its Wednesday service on the Chattogram-Jeddah route, reducing the weekly frequency to two.
The decision comes at a time when demand is particularly high among Umrah pilgrims and regular travelers.
Industry insiders alleged Biman is ceding market share to foreign airlines, who are quickly moving in to capture the gap.
A day after Biman’s announcement, Oman-based SalamAir declared it would introduce three additional weekly flights from Chattogram, starting September 18.
SalamAir currently operates one weekly flight from Shah Amanat International Airport, but will now add services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to Muscat.
Stakeholders criticised Biman’s move. Mohammad Shah Alam, former chairman of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), Chattogram Zone, told the media that “While we have repeatedly demanded an increase in Biman flights to Jeddah and Madinah, they have done the opposite.
This is a stepmother-like treatment towards Chattogram passengers. Umrah pilgrims, in particular, will suffer financially, physically, and mentally.”
Travel agency owners also warned of a looming seat crisis as the number of Umrah pilgrims usually rises towards the end of the year, alongside demand from regular travellers.
With Biman cutting services, passengers bound for Jeddah, Kuwait, and Doha are increasingly flying via Muscat on SalamAir. However, indirect travel through SalamAir or Air Arabia adds both cost and travel time compared with Biman’s direct Jeddah service.
Â
