Airlines acknowledged for firm commitment to Bangladesh during pandemic

Dhaka: Six airlines, including both local and foreign, have been honoured with “Friend in Need” recognition for their firm commitment to Bangladesh and its people during the most challenging period of the devastating coronavirus pandemic by the premier travel and aviation publication The Bangladesh Monitor through a ceremony held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka on February 24.

The six airlines which received the recognition are Biman Bangladesh Airlines, NOVOAIR, US-Bangla Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia.

The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh were also recognised for their prudent and prompt initiatives in guiding the Bangladesh aviation sector sail through the struggle that followed the pandemic to a new normal era.

Md Mahbub Ali, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism was present on the occasion as the Chief Guest and handed over the Crest of Honour to the airlines and CAAB.

Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, Chairman of CAAB, Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, airline officials, and dignitaries, among others, also attended the event.

“Passenger air transportation came to almost complete halt following the outbreak of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, causing an unprecedented suffering to hundreds of thousands of the stranded air travellers in Bangladesh and across the globe. But following the government's decision to open Bangladesh’s sky, a handful of airlines demonstrated their firm commitment to Bangladesh and its people, by resuming their passenger services to and from the country within the shortest possible time,” said Kazi Wahidul Alam.

“Now it is our turn to express our thanks and gratitude to those airlines who promptly responded to the need of the time and stood beside Bangladesh and its people.”

Following the outbreak of the unprecedented pandemic, the Bangladesh government temporarily embargoed on operations of all scheduled domestic and international flights on March 22, 2020.

However, after thorough review of the situation, the government within the shortest possible time decided to open the sky paving the way for the resumption of passenger air transportation.

Presently over 25 local and foreign airlines are operating regular flights to and from Bangladesh while few others are waiting for the necessary permission from the concerned authorities.