The country’s aviation industry has gone through a very tough time due to the coronavirus pandemic. The sector has now recovered around 80 percent of its losses. With everyone’s cordial efforts the industry will recover fully in the coming days.
Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister Md Mahbub Ali said this while speaking as the chief guest at a program titled “Recognizing the Covid fighters in Aviation Sector” organised by The Bangladesh Monitor at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital on Wednesday.
He said, “The government is developing all the domestic airports of the country as well as providing all sorts of supports to the domestic airliners to develop the aviation industry.”
“To maintain the growth and reduce the losses of the country’s aviation industry, the government waved charges including parking charge, landing charge, boarding bridge charge, security charge for domestic airlines from March 26 to September 30 last year”, he added.
CAAB chairman Air vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman said, "The contribution of the airlines during the pandemic was immense. Their cordial support has helped us to stay safe. We work together with other public, private organisations to keep everyone safe, bring people home safely, and stop spreading of Covid-19.
Group captain Rtd Mofidur Rahman of Novoair said, "The government was kind enough that's why we were able to survive during the pandemic. Domestic airliners almost backed to normal position. We are operating flight maintaining hygiene rules. The losses we endure are enormous. It will take longer time to recover. I urge the ministry and civil aviation to provide policy support for the industry’s further growth."
The airlines those received the recognition are Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, US-Bangla Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline, and Air Arabia and others.
Following the outbreak of the unprecedented pandemic, the government temporarily embargoed on operations of all schedule domestic and international flights on March 22 in 2020. However, after review of the situation the government decides to open the sky paving the way for resumption of passenger air transportation.
At present, more than 25 local and foreign airlines are operating regular flights to and from Bangladesh and few others are waiting for the necessary permission from the authorities concerned.