Bangladesh, India discuss open skies, air service agreement

Dhaka: Bangladesh and India have discussed the possibility of adopting an open skies policy between the two neighboring countries to further expand air connectivity and cooperation in the aviation sector.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat and High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the capital on September 16.

The two sides also discussed revising the existing Air Services Agreement between Bangladesh and India and waiving charges for the use of airspace, according to a press release from the ministry.

During the meeting, the Indian High Commissioner expressed India’s interest in working with Bangladesh to develop the country’s aviation sector.

Trivedi also discussed the potential use of India’s locally manufactured Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft on Bangladesh’s airstrips.

The minister said Bangladesh would coordinate with India on areas of mutual interest as part of its efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and establish the country as a South Asian aviation hub.