21 Bangladesh-India flights from next week: CAAB chief

The number of weekly flights between Bangladesh and India under the air bubble arrangement will be increased from seven to 21 starting next week.

Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, told this while speaking to The Daily Star over telephone.

"The agreement between Bangladesh and India will be implemented completely from next week. As per the agreement, Bangladeshi airlines will operate 21 flights each week to India and Indian airlines will operate same number of flights to Bangladesh," said the CAAB chief.

On September 5, flight operation between the two neighboring countries resumed under the arrangement after a four-month recess due to the Covid-19.

Air bubble arrangements are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

Under the agreement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and private airline US-Bangla, will jointly operate 21 weekly flights while different Indian airlines -- including Spice Jet and Indigo -- will operate the same number of flights to Bangladesh.

Travellers from Bangladesh must test negative for Covid-19 in a PCR test done no earlier than 72 hours before the flight, and they have to go to through molecular tests at their own expenses after arriving at Indian airports.

According to CAAB, irrespective of Covid-19 vaccination, any passenger travelling from India shall have to complete 14 days of strict home quarantine and all other related provisions, including requirement of PCR test, would be applicable to the concerned passengers.