Zero tolerance for air ticket racketeering
The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against air ticket racketeering, artificial crises and syndicates, while moving to amend relevant laws to keep airfares affordable for expatriate workers.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat disclosed the measures on Sunday in a written response to a question during a question-answer session in parliament chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
Under the measures, travel agencies will have to clearly mention their business name, licence number and actual selling price on every air ticket.
The minister said a 10-point circular had already been issued to safeguard passengers’ interests and ensure transparency in ticket sales.
The directives require agencies to explicitly print their business name, licence number and final selling price on each ticket.
The government is also taking steps to amend the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) (Amendment) Ordinance and the amended Civil Aviation Ordinance, according to the minister.
The proposed legal changes are intended to strengthen oversight of the air ticketing market and protect passengers from unfair practices.
Explaining airfare fluctuations, Millat said airlines worldwide determine ticket prices through a “dynamic pricing” system operated by their revenue management systems.
Prices depend on several factors, including the route, destination, distance, booking time, travel date and seat availability.
The type of airline, international aviation fuel prices, airport charges, government taxes and other fees also influence fares, he said.
Consequently, ticket prices on the same route can vary considerably depending on the timing, demand and availability of seats.
The minister said comparing fares from different periods using only one or a few indicators was therefore not logical.
Millat also highlighted initiatives for migrant workers included in the current government’s election manifesto.
The government is working to introduce special ticket incentives on Biman Bangladesh Airlines for expatriate cardholders, along with additional facilities at the Balaka Executive Lounge.
Dedicated immigration channels and priority check-in facilities are also being considered for expatriate workers.
The minister said the central objective of the proposed legal amendments and other initiatives was to protect passengers’ interests and ensure transparency in the air ticketing market.
The measures are also aimed at tackling racketeering, artificial crises and syndicates while helping keep airfares affordable for expatriate workers.
