Akij Air targets full-service digital travel platform as Bangladesh OTA market matures

Dhaka : Bangladesh's online travel market is entering a new phase as consumers increasingly turn to digital platforms to compare fares, make bookings and manage their trips, according to Daraz Mahmud, CEO of Akij Air.

Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor, Mahmud said the country remains in the early-to-middle stages of online travel adoption, leaving considerable room for growth. Customers are becoming more demanding, looking for transparent pricing, flexible payments, fast confirmations and responsive support rather than simply the lowest airfare.

Akij Air aims to capitalize on that shift by developing a broader digital travel platform covering flights, hotels, holiday packages, visa-related services, Hajj and Umrah, and corporate travel.

"The winning model, in our view, will therefore combine digital convenience with strong human service," Mahmud added, noting that travelers still want assistance when dealing with cancellations, visa complications or itinerary changes.

According to Mahmud, Cox's Bazar remains an important domestic leisure destination, while Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and other Southeast Asian markets attract leisure and family travelers. Middle Eastern destinations including Jeddah, Doha and Muscat continue to see demand linked to employment, family visits, business, Umrah and religious travel.

Daraz Mahmud

Rising airfares are also making customers more price-conscious. Travelers are comparing departure dates, airlines and transit options more closely, while booking earlier to avoid higher prices during peak periods such as Eid and school holidays. Akij Air has introduced a Book Now, Pay Later facility for selected airlines to provide additional payment flexibility.

Mahmud claimed technology would remain central to the company's growth strategy. Akij Air is working on faster search, fare comparison, personalization and payment capabilities, while artificial intelligence could eventually support recommendations, customer service and itinerary planning.

However, he stressed AI would complement rather than replace human assistance, particularly when travelers face complex problems.

The CEO also identified airline inventory, foreign-exchange regulations, international payments, cancellations and refunds as key challenges for Bangladesh's online travel sector. He said transparent communication about fare conditions and refund procedures would be essential for building customer trust.

Mahmud expects traditional travel agencies to remain relevant, particularly for complex itineraries, corporate and group travel, MICE, visa services and religious tourism. He sees the market evolving toward a hybrid model that combines digital booking with human support.

Over the next three to five years, Akij Air plans to expand beyond air tickets into hotels, packages, corporate travel and other services while pursuing stronger airline and hotel partnerships. The company also sees opportunities in B2B distribution and regional expansion, with the goal of becoming a comprehensive travel platform.