Airfare Instability in Bangladesh: Government Issues New Directives for Passengers

Air ticket prices in Bangladesh have once again become a major concern for travelers. Particularly on Middle Eastern routes, sudden fare hikes have caused significant suffering for passengers, including migrant workers who rely on affordable tickets.

Recent reports show that one-way tickets to destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are being sold for over Tk 100,000, whereas the usual price ranged between Tk 70,000 and Tk 80,000. This sharp increase has left many passengers struggling to afford their journeys.

One of the key reasons behind this price surge is the influence of ticket syndicates. Many travel agencies have been accused of blocking or canceling tickets to create an artificial crisis, allowing them to sell at inflated rates.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has issued strict directives. According to the new rules, every ticket must include the passenger’s name, passport details, the actual selling price, and the travel agency’s name. Failure to comply will result in legal action against the agencies involved.

Due to government intervention, fares temporarily dropped to around Tk 48,000–50,000, with some special offers even lower on select routes. However, the situation is not yet fully stable as ticket prices are once again rising abnormally. Authorities have assured that stricter monitoring will continue to control the market.

Conclusion

The instability in Bangladesh’s airfare market remains a challenge for travelers. However, with stronger government monitoring and enforcement of new directives, passengers may soon experience some much-needed relief.