Closures of Ctg flights lead to airfare surge

The consecutive closures of airlines' operations in Chattogram have led to a surge in airfares, particularly impacting expatriate workers and Umrah travellers during the peak season.

Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman, has temporarily suspended its flights from Chattogram airport starting 8 March, citing network re-routing.

The announcement comes less than two months after Jazeera Airways ceased its operations on the Chattogram-Middle East route.

Mohammad Abu Zafar, chairman of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh Chattogram zone, expressed concerns over the plight of expatriates and Umrah pilgrims from the district, who now face increased ticket prices and limited options for travel.

The average Umrah fare last year was approximately Tk65,000, but it has now increased to a range between Tk90,000 and Tk94,000.

"The decision to halt flights temporarily is due to network re-routing. Flights from Dhaka will continue as usual," said Chief of Oman Air Chattogram Station Asif Chowdhury.

However, Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport Director Group Captain Taslim Ahmed said they have not yet received any formal notification from the airline regarding the discontinuation of flights.

The airline operates four flights a week from Chattogram accommodating many passengers, particularly Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

Oman Air has been operating in Chattogram since 2007 when it initiated direct flights on the Chattogram-Muscat route. This move significantly expanded transportation choices for expatriates and travellers heading to the Middle East.

Despite interruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline had been operating flights several days a week, catering to the demands of passengers bound for Jeddah and other regional destinations.

With the suspension of Oman Air's operations, the number of airlines serving the Chattogram-Middle East route will reduce from seven to five, affecting the accessibility and affordability of air travel for passengers.

Meanwhile, Jazeera Airways, which initiated passenger transport from Chattogram in January 2022, had to suspend services earlier this year due to aircraft shortages and network re-routing.

Mohammad Shah Alam, chairman of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh Chattogram zone, underscored the need to resume flights promptly to alleviate the pressure on passengers, particularly during the Umrah season.

He also expressed concerns over the logistical challenges faced by travellers and urged the authorities to expedite the restoration of flight services.