Biman resumes flights to Rajshahi, Barisal

After a long period of suspension, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its domestic flights on two routes -- Rajshahi and Barisal.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon inaugurated the flight to Rajshahi by going from Dhaka to Shah Makhdum Airport in the northern district along with 60 other passengers on a Dash 8-Q400s plane at 3.25pm.

The flights would now reach Rajshahi from Dhaka at 3pm and return to Dhaka at 3.25pm thrice a week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, the minister said.

“If we receive a positive response, the number of flights would be increased to six days and cargo flights would also be introduced.”

Menon later returned to Dhaka along with 40 other passengers on the same flight.

The minister said two Dash 8-Q400s aircraft, named Moyurakkhi and Meghdut, would be used for flights to Cox's Bazar, Jessore, Rajshahi, Saidpur and Barisal.

One-way fare on the Rajshahi-Dhaka route would be Tk 3,500 a person; however, there would be promotional fare of Tk 2,700 for one month.

Due to various reasons, including losses and a shortage of aircraft, the Biman authorities had suspended flights on the route in February 2007.

Meanwhile, Biman is set to resume its Dhaka-Barisal flight today after a pause of nine years.

Khalilur Rahman, Barisal office manager of Biman Bangladesh, said a 74-seat Dash-8 Q-800 plane will operate two flights a week -- Wednesdays and Sundays.

The flights would take off from Dhaka at 4pm and from Barisal at 4:55pm.

The one-way fare will be Tk 3,000-Tk 4,000 a person.

Menon is likely to attend a programme at the Biman office in Barisal today.