Biman cuts Jeddah flights from Ctg despite high demand

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has decided to cut flights from Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram despite strong passenger demand, sparking frustration among travellers and stakeholders in the port city.

From September 10, the national flag carrier will suspend its Wednesday service on the Chattogram-Jeddah route, reducing the weekly frequency to two.

The decision comes at a time when demand is particularly high among Umrah pilgrims and regular travellers. Industry insiders alleged Biman is ceding market share to foreign airlines, who are quickly moving in to capture the gap.

Read more

Biman passengers endure 18-hour flight without proper air conditioning

A day after Biman's announcement, Oman-based SalamAir declared it would introduce three additional weekly flights from Chattogram, starting September 19. SalamAir currently operates seven flights per week from Shah Amanat International Airport, but will now add services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to Muscat.

Stakeholders criticised Biman's move. Mohammad Shah Alam, former chairman of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), Chattogram Zone, told The Daily Star, "While we have repeatedly demanded an increase in Biman flights to Jeddah and Madinah, they have done the opposite. This is a stepmother-like treatment towards Chattogram passengers. Umrah pilgrims, in particular, will suffer financially, physically, and mentally."

Travel agency owners also warned of a looming seat crisis as the number of Umrah pilgrims usually rises towards the end of the year, alongside demand from regular travellers.

With Biman cutting services, passengers bound for Jeddah, Kuwait, and Doha are increasingly flying via Muscat on SalamAir. However, indirect travel through SalamAir or Air Arabia adds both cost and travel time compared with Biman's direct Jeddah service.

When asked about the reduction, Al Mamun Faruk, Biman's Chattogram manager, said the cut was due to an aircraft shortage.

"Route allocations are determined by higher authorities," he said.

Read more

Biman’s Narita route was revived without proper planning

Meanwhile, SalamAir's Chattogram manager Rizuannul Islam said, "We have increased our weekly flights from seven to ten, considering the growing passenger demand. There is a significant need for air connectivity from Chattogram to Middle Eastern countries."

Aviation insiders say Biman's decision risks alienating a key passenger base in Chattogram, while boosting foreign carriers' market share on Middle Eastern routes.