Airfare hike to increase migration cost: BAIRA

The Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) on Tuesday demanded lowering the fare of all Middle East-bound flights, reports UNB.

"The fare has almost doubled and the medical fees have also been raised. This may increase the migration cost," BAIRA president Benazir Ahmed told a press briefing at its Eskaton office in Dhaka.

Other operators raised fare after Etihad, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia and Jet Airways stopped flying on Dhaka-Middle East routes.

In a written statement, Benazir said passengers have to pay Tk 47,000-50,000 from the existing Tk 28,000 on the Dhaka-Jeddah route. Besides, they have to pay Tk 8,500 from the existing Tk 5,800 as medical fees.

As a result the migration cost has increased, he said.

BAIRA suggested introducing 'Open Sky Policy' for preventing airfare hike.