Adviser Bashir vows to restore fairness in aviation sector

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has expressed deep concern over what he described as pervasive "criminality" that has long afflicted the aviation industry.

"When I took on this responsibility in Civil Aviation, and I observed the level of criminality around it, Which made me very, very sad. I know many people do not like the changes I am trying to bring… but spreading unnecessary criticism will not achieve any purpose," he said adding that he is ready to cross any hurdle to restore fairness in Bangladesh's aviation sector. 

The adviser was speaking at the launching ceremony of flyadeal, a new Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier commencing operations on the Dhaka–Jeddah route at a city hotel on Tuesday evening.  

He warned against the criminal tendencies within the sector saying the tendency must be rooted out. 

The adviser said that he was troubled by the pricing practices of several airlines operating in the country. 

"I know flyadeal is a low-cost airline. But unfortunately, in Bangladesh, low-cost airline fares are higher than those of legacy airlines. This has been a very painful experience for me, and I do not want this," he said. 

Questioning how budget airlines could charge more while offering fewer services, he said, "Low-cost airlines do not even offer a glass of water on board. Even when they do, passengers must pay for it." "Then why are you not competitive on pricing? Who is taking this extra money? I want to follow the trail of this money and fix the problem," he added.

Referring to structural irregularities in the industry, Bashir said that nearly 13 million passengers travel through the country's main airport annually despite its capacity for only eight million. 

A new terminal is ready for operation, he said urging for greater participation of the international carriers, along with increased frequency of flights to help stabilize the market and reduce airfare volatility.

The Adviser also delivered an emotional appeal for migrant workers, many of whom are unable to return home for years due to exorbitant airfares and heavy debts incurred during migration. 

"It pains me deeply when I see our migrant workers, who leave their families behind for years to earn a living, unable to return home. They take loans and they cannot even think of buying a ticket to return home and see their families. This truly hurts me," he said.

Calling on airlines to ensure affordability and justice for travelers, he said, "These extremely hard-working people barely get to breathe in their own country. They work so hard, stay away from family, take loans and the way we treat them is deeply upsetting."

Flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudia, launched its weekly two direct flights on the Jeddah-Dhaka–Jeddah route, aiming to serve migrant workers as well as Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The airline has announced competitive fares, free in-flight meals, and additional baggage allowances.

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Zafar H. Bin Aabiyan, flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway, and Avians Bangladesh Ltd. Managing Director Imran Jahan attended the inaugural ceremony.