While it will take approximately a year for the iconic third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to become fully operational, several foreign airlines have already expressed their keen interest in commencing flights from HSIA.

Sources at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh told The Daily Star that at least 15 foreign airlines have so far shown interest and sought permission to operate flights to and from Dhaka as the country is set to partially launch the third terminal today.

CAAB officials said world-renowned and prestigious airlines like British Airways, Air Canada, Air France, and Swiss Air are on the list that has expressed their interest in operating flights from Dhaka.

Ethiopian Airlines; FitsAir, Sri Lanka's largest private airline; Royal Jordanian Airlines; Korean Air; UAE-based Wizz Air; Garuda Indonesia, the flag carrier of Indonesia; Iraqi Airways; Riadh Air; and Pakistan International Airlines, the flag carrier of Pakistan, are also on the list.

The total number of airlines operating from Dhaka will rise to over 49 once those airlines get permission to operate flights from Dhaka following the full swing operation of the third terminal.

Currently, 34 airlines operate flights to and from Bangladesh, with four Bangladeshi air operators and 30 foreign airlines.

While talking to this correspondent, a senior official of CAAB said, "Swiss Air, Air France, and Air Canada will initially operate their flights to and from Dhaka through the code-sharing process after obtaining permission from CAAB."

Later, those airlines will operate flights through the normal process, added the official.

Code sharing is a partnership between two airlines that allows an airline to place its two-letter identification code on the flight schedules of another airline. This means that flights can be marketed by one airline and operated by another.

Photo: Rashed Shumon

For instance, Gulf Air may have an agreement with Biman whereby it operates Biman flights on a particular route. This flight would be listed with Biman's identification code (BG) but actually be run by Gulf Air.

Put simply, code sharing allows airlines to sell tickets to destinations they do not fly to. These agreements allow airlines to offer numerous flights without additional equipment, resources, and costs.

Code sharing also provides passengers with a wide choice of flights. It also makes booking, checking in, luggage handling, and traveling more convenient. Plus, the coordinated schedules make sure you have enough time for all your connections.

The total number of airlines operating from Dhaka will rise to over 49 once those airlines get permission to operate flights from Dhaka following the full swing operation of the third terminal. Currently, 34 airlines operate flights to and from Bangladesh, with four Bangladeshi air operators and 30 foreign airlines.

Airlines throughout the world enter into codeshare arrangements to strengthen or expand their market presence and competitive ability.

The civil aviation ministry recently initiated the signing of bilateral aviation agreements with 16 countries, including Mauritius, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Spain, Latvia, Cyprus, Guyana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Brunei, Seychelles, Lebanon, Turkmenistan, Algeria, and Switzerland.

Moreover, the ministry has also upgraded air agreements with 14 countries, including Canada, Qatar, Libya, Azerbaijan, Germany, Malaysia, Iraq, Australia, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Morocco, China, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman said that although foreign airlines are seeking permission to operate flights from Dhaka, they will be allowed in phases to cope with the pressure on HSIA.

Foreign airlines currently dominate about 75% of the international market, with the remaining 25% held by Biman and US-Bangla Airlines, the largest private airlines in the country.

The only two international airlines in the country—Biman and US-Bangla—do not have enough flights to tap the huge potential of the country's flourishing aviation market.

Taking this opportunity, new foreign airlines are eyeing entry into Bangladesh's aviation market.

Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said that the interest of foreign airlines in operating flights from Dhaka is definitely a positive development for Bangladesh.

He commented that airfare will become more competitive due to the arrival of new airlines. Airlines' service quality will also improve, and passengers will benefit from it.