Published: March 19, 2025, 04:56 PM
The government’s intervention has led to a drastic 75% drop in air ticket prices for flights to Saudi Arabia, according to the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB).
Between December and February, ticket prices soared to Tk190,000 under group bookings, but following stricter regulations, fares have now dropped to Tk48,000-Tk50,000. Some routes, like Dhaka to Dammam and Dhaka to Riyadh, are available for as low as Tk35,000.
On 11 February, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism issued a directive mandating stricter booking regulations, requiring tickets to be booked with passenger names, passport details, and photocopies. This move forced airlines to release blocked tickets, increasing seat availability and transparency.
ATAB has welcomed the decision, calling it a timely and necessary step to relieve financial pressure on travelers, especially migrant workers. ATAB Secretary General Afsia Jannat Saleh emphasized the need for continuous government oversight to prevent airlines from reverting to unfair pricing practices.
The association also credited key government figures, including Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Expatriate Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddique, and Civil Aviation Secretary Begum Nasrin Jahan, for their roles in stabilizing airfares.
ATAB had earlier called for government intervention on 26 January to combat market syndication. With continued monitoring, the organization remains hopeful that Bangladesh’s air travel industry will maintain discipline and fair pricing.
