The civil aviation and tourism ministry has issued 10 directives aimed at protecting passengers' interests by preventing an unusual increase in air ticket prices.

A gazette notification detailing the new measures was issued on Tuesday, targeting airlines and travel agencies operating in the country.

The ministry stated that, for all ticket bookings, including group reservations, travellers must provide their name, passport number, and a photocopy of their passport.

According to the gazette notification, "If a ticket is not issued in the passenger's name within three days, the airline must automatically cancel the booking after 72 hours".

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Exorbitant airfares must be curbed

Airlines and travel agencies must finalise the sale of all previously blocked group-booked tickets within the next seven days (from the issuance of the circular on February 11), providing passenger details.

Failure to comply will result in automatic cancellation within three days.

The ministry also requires airlines to report the actual sale price of group-booked tickets, which will then be published on the civil aviation ministry's website for public access.

All air tickets must be sold online, with prices clearly displayed both on the tickets and on the respective airline or agency's website.

Airlines and travel agencies must comply with the tariff filing provisions outlined in Rule 289 of the Civil Aviation Rules, 1984 and publish approved fares on their websites.

Airlines and travel agencies are prohibited from selling tickets at prices higher than the officially submitted fare.

Travel agencies must issue receipts indicating the original price set by the airline.

Under Rule 15 of the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Rules, 2022, travel agencies that artificially inflate prices by reselling tickets through unauthorised agents could face suspension or cancellation of their registration certificates.

The civil aviation ministry also directed airlines and travel agencies in Bangladesh to introduce special airfares for individuals traveling on work visas.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has already introduced reduced airfare for migrant workers traveling to Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Per the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act, 2013, the sale of tickets through unregistered travel agencies must stop immediately.