Rajshahi, Sept 20 (V7N) — Airfares on the Rajshahi-Dhaka route have risen significantly amid limited flight options, leaving passengers increasingly dependent on the two airlines currently operating direct services on the route.
US-Bangla Airlines operates daily flights between Rajshahi and Dhaka, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates on selected days. Current published schedules show two daily US-Bangla services from Rajshahi, with Biman operating additional flights on specific days.
Passengers say the reduction in competition has narrowed their choices, particularly when seats on a preferred flight are sold out. They claim that fares increase during periods of high demand and can rise further for last-minute bookings.
According to passengers, economy-class fares that were previously available at around Tk 3,000 to Tk 4,000 are now being quoted at between Tk 5,700 and Tk 11,000, depending on availability and booking time.
Current fare listings also show one-way fares of around Tk 5,700 to Tk 6,100 on some Rajshahi-Dhaka services, although fares vary according to date, availability and fare category.
Regular air traveller Abul Kalam Azad said demand for flights from Rajshahi remains strong.
“There is no shortage of passengers in Rajshahi. Even if six flights were operated in the morning, afternoon and evening, the seats would remain full,” he said.
He said seat shortages were particularly difficult for people travelling to Dhaka for urgent medical treatment, with some passengers having to pay Tk 8,000 to Tk 10,000 or more for tickets.
Azad said greater competition on other busy routes gives passengers more choices, whereas the limited number of airlines serving Rajshahi leaves travellers with fewer alternatives.
The current schedule indicates that US-Bangla operates two daily nonstop flights from Rajshahi to Dhaka, while Biman provides services on selected days of the week.
Passengers say the limited schedule can quickly create a shortage of seats on days when demand rises. They also claim that travellers who do not book at least a week in advance may find it difficult to secure tickets at their preferred times.
The problem is particularly challenging for patients and others travelling to Dhaka for emergencies, who often cannot plan their journeys well in advance.
The Rajshahi-Dhaka route serves passengers travelling for medical treatment, higher education, business, government and private-sector work, and tourism. Rajshahi University and other educational institutions, businesses across northern Bangladesh and major medical facilities contribute to regular demand for the route.
The region's historical and archaeological attractions, including Rajshahi, Puthia and the Barind area, also contribute to passenger movement.
Passengers are calling for more flights on the route and greater participation by domestic airlines. They believe additional services would give travellers more options and could ease pressure on ticket availability and fares.
Professor Kamruzzaman, a Rajshahi University teacher who regularly travels between Rajshahi and Dhaka for classes, viva examinations and academic duties, said passengers had recently been facing greater difficulties on the route.
“Ticket prices have increased considerably. Effective monitoring by the Civil Aviation Authority is needed to reduce such difficulties,” he said.
He suggested regular monitoring of passenger demand, seat availability, ticket prices and booking patterns to understand the actual market situation and investigate complaints of irregularities or excessive fares.
Asked about the situation, Mosa. Dilara Parvin, airport manager at Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi, said Novoair had previously withdrawn its services from the route.
“To my knowledge, Novoair withdrew its flights. Since then, the number of flights has been lower, while passenger pressure and demand for tickets have increased, causing fares to rise somewhat,” she said.
She added that the airport authorities do not directly control ticket prices.
Regarding the possibility of easing the situation, Parvin said the airport authorities could consider the necessary arrangements if an airline wanted to operate on the route.
She said she was not aware of any current plan by the Civil Aviation Authority to add another airline to the Rajshahi-Dhaka route.
With only two airlines currently providing direct services, passengers say increasing flight frequency and attracting additional carriers could provide greater choice for travellers and help address recurring shortages of seats.
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