Biman Bangladesh Airlines is currently facing challenges in operating flights on the Dhaka- Guangzhou route due to slot restrictions. While the Chinese government has been supportive and offered various privileges to enhance bilateral relations with Bangladesh, the current slot limitations have posed a challenge to Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
As per the Air Service Agreement (ASA) between the two countries, Biman back in February had applied for a summer slot which starts from April and continues till October. But Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport did not allocate any slots in favour of Biman. As a result, Biman’s Guangzhou flight operation was suspended since March that was started on August 18 last year.
Slots for takeoff and landing of flights are allocated twice a year, based on summer and winter schedules. The summer schedule, covering months from April to October, is currently underway. Biman Bangladesh Airlines had applied for slot allotment at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport last February for the upcoming summer season.
Biman CEO and Managing Director Shafiul Azim commenting on the issue informed that, “The Guangzhou route predicament is an operational issue. While China is offering the slots, Biman is unable to utilize them due to unavailability during the required timeframes. The allocation of slots for flight operations must align with the Biman’s schedule, but unfortunately, Chinese authorities have been unable to provide the necessary slots when needed. This discrepancy renders the slots useless, especially when aircraft maintenance or repairs are required.”
“We have written to the Chinese aviation authority via the proper medium for the allotment of increased slots. As soon as we get approval we are ready to operate our flight operation there,” he added.
Regarding the slot allocation when attempts were made to get some updated information it was found that, Biman’s Schedule Slot Team has discussed the issue with its counterpart Chinese authority at the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Annual Slot Conference.
The sources further said that, the Chinese authority has agreed to allocate slots in favour of biman and soon flight operation will resume between Dhaka and Guangzhou. The official information will be soon reached to Biman’s officials’ hand.
