Kolkata: Air India Express has deferred its plans to launch direct flights between Kolkata and Dhaka, citing the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh. It may be noted that the Tata Group airline postpones its plans at a time when it is significantly expanding its fleet size and introducing new routes, as India’s aviation sector is witnessing significant growth and the passenger growth also remains robust. The airline had plans to launch the Dhaka services in September with six weekly flights.
Let’s see which Indian airlines are still operating flights for Bangladesh capital, Dhaka. IndiGo and Air India are providing services to the neighbouring country. Besides, these, one can also opt for Malaysia Airlines and Biman Bangladesh Airlines to take a flight from Kolkata to the neighbouring country.
“You would recall we had announced our operational plan for Dhaka, which is a new and significant market for us. But because of the situation there, we have deferred those plans,” Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, said.
“As soon as the conditions are right, we will resume those plans,” he said.
Notably, Air India Express is part of the Air India Group. It has announced plans to induct 470 aircraft at the group level in the next few years. AI Express currently operates 24 daily flights from Kolkata.
The ouster of Sheikh Hasina govt in Bangladesh
Ever since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, the relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have been strained. It may be noted that Hasina fled to India on August 5. Several reports have emerged from Bangladesh that its majority population has been attacking minorities, particularly Hindus.
Sheikh Hasina is in exile in India after being ousted in August following mass protests. During the protests, hundreds of protesters were killed and thousands were injured.
Air India Express has postponed its plans to launch direct flights between Kolkata and Dhaka due to the ongoing political instability in Bangladesh. While other airlines like IndiGo and Air India are continuing with their flight service to Dhaka. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
