Special migrant flights to continue amid lockdown
Scheduled special flights from different airlines Biman Bangladesh operated Monday
The current suspension of international flights to and from Bangladesh has been extended for another week, following the government's decision to extend the strict lockdown for one more week amid an alarming spike in Covid-19 infections.
However, special flights to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Singapore will continue, so that the several thousand migrant workers who have become stuck in the country since 14 April can return to their respective workplaces in those five countries, confirmed sources from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Meanwhile, the scheduled special flights from different airlines including Biman Bangladesh operated on Monday. Tahera Khandaker, deputy general manager (Public Relation) of Biman told TBS, "A total of seven flights of Biman were scheduled Monday to different Middle Eastern countries and two flights left Dhaka till afternoon.
She said that all flights will leave for destinations in time. Besides, Saudia Airlines operated two flights on Monday for stranded migrants.
Earlier on April 15, following the suspension of international flights from April 14, the government decided to operate around 100 special flights to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Singapore in a week from April 17.
Civil Aviation Authority, on April 11, suspended operation of all international passenger flights to and from Bangladesh for a week from April 14 following government order.