US-Bangla to resume domestic flights from 1 June

US-Bangla Airlines, one of the largest private airlines in Bangladesh, will resume domestic operations from 1 June after the government lifted restrictions on domestic flights.

“As per the decision of the authorities, there are plans to resume flights on the domestic routes,” the company said in a statement.

US-Bangla is going to start flights from Dhaka to Chattogram, Sylhet and Saidpur on 1 June. There are plans to operate flights to Cox’s Bazar, Jashore, Barishal and Rajshahi as per the decision of the government.

Domestic flights were grounded for more than two months due to coronavirus outbreak. At present, US-Bangla Airlines operates a weekly flight on the Dhaka-Guangzhou-Dhaka route.

Due to the changed situation, the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority has instructed all passengers to wear masks, hand gloves and directed pilots and cabin crew to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while maintaining social distance.

US-Bangla has decided to operate the flight with the permission of CAAB after disinfection of the aircraft before each flight.

The flight schedule has also been fixed at 45 minute intervals. There are also instructions for hand sanitising passengers and shutting down in-flight food services on flights less than an hour and a half away.

“US-Bangla Airlines is ready to operate flights from 1 June in compliance with all health regulations,” the company said.

Passengers have to take seats while maintaining social distance. US-Bangla Airlines will operate domestic routes with brand new ATR 72-600 and Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.

At present, US-Bangla Airlines has 13 aircraft in its fleet. Of which, four are Boeing 737-800, six are brand new ATR 72-600 and three are Dash8-Q400 aircraft.