India-Bangladesh air bubble pact to resume from today

Dhaka: Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has accepted India’s proposal of operating seven flights a week to and from both countries under air bubble agreement effective from September 4.

The air bubble flights will run until the resumption of schedule international passenger flights between the two countries, CAAB said in a circular on September 2.

Under the air bubble arrangement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate two frequencies per week on Dhaka-Kolkata and Dhaka-Delhi routes each while US-Bangla Airlines will operate three frequencies per week on Dhaka-Chennai route, totaling seven frequencies per week from these two carriers.

However, a proposal of allocation of 10 frequencies has also been given to India from CAAB for consideration. Under which, Biman will operate three frequencies per week on Dhaka-Kolkata, and two on Dhaka-Delhi; US-Bangla will operate one frequency per week on Dhaka-Kolkata and three frequencies on Dhaka-Chennai route; while NOVOAIR will operate one frequency from Dhaka to Kolkata, totaling 10 frequencies per week.

However, the proposal of 10 frequencies from CAAB to India hast just been made and is yet to receive approval from India’s Civil Aviation Authority.

It may be mentioned here, irrespective of Covid-19 vaccination, any passenger travelling from India shall have to complete 14 days strict home quarantine and all other related provisions including requirement of PCR test.

Carriage of passengers can be restricted to 90 per cent of the total seating capacity of the aircraft used, added CAAB in the circular.

In addition, CAAB also made a proposal to India for facilitating airlines crew to travel to India for simulator training.