Flights to London, Qatar to commence shortly

Bangladesh may lift suspension of certain international flights shortlyUNB File Photo

All international passenger flights, other than to China, had been suspended for the last two and a half months. However, from 1 June, domestic flights were resumed on a limited scale. And now the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is shortly to lift the restriction on direct flights to London and Qatar.

CAAB chairman Md Mofidur Rahman, speaking to Prothom Alo on Saturday, said UK has no restrictions on passenger flights and so the ban on flights there may be lifted soon. And flights to Qatar in the Middle East may also be resumed.

Despite the ban, there have been several chartered and special flights between Dhaka and various other countries over the past two and a half months.

The decision to lift the ban on flights to the UK and Qatar may be taken this week. Talks have already been held with the aviation authorities of both the countries. Qatar Airways wants to start its flights on the Dhaka-Doha route. However, no Bangladeshi passengers will be able to go to Qatar due to coronavirus risks. The flights will only carry transit passengers who will fly on to other destinations from there.

As the UK has lifted its ban on flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will be able to operate direct flights on the London and Manchester routes.

CAAB had taken initiative for direct flights on a number of other routes too, but this came to a halt as the coronavirus situation in the country deteriorated further.

All direct flights were suspended by CAAB from 21 March due to the coronavirus outbreak. Only flights to China remained operative. CAAB’s ban of flights remains in effect up till 15 June.

Despite the ban, there have been several chartered and special flights between Dhaka and various other countries over the past two and a half months. Also, flights carrying cargo and relief goods are operating regularly.