Passengers endure ordeal due to inadequate services

Passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) endure ordeals due to inadequate services from authorities that tarnish the reputation of the airport, participants at a public hearing said yesterday.

They said incidents like mismanagement in baggage handling and unsatisfactory service to passengers in case of flight delay are frequent at the airport. They also blamed lack of coordination among different departments.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) organised the public hearing at its premise in the capital's Kurmitola. Mostly officials from CAAB and different private carriers spoke at the programme.

A participant alleged that one of his relatives lost luggage at the airport upon returning from abroad recently. Despite filing a written complaint to the authorities, no step has been taken to address the issue, he said.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Naim Hassan said they will take prompt action on specific allegations.

Moderating the hearing, the CAAB chief stressed on better management at HSIA and other airports across the country.

CAAB has undertaken a number of projects. Once implemented, those will help reduce passengers' sufferings and improve the quality of service, he claimed.

A third terminal at HSIA will be built and space will be increased to accommodate more planes, he added.

The CAAB chief also said some domestic airlines have already increased number of flights to facilitate local passengers.

AKM Junaied, director of customer services of US-Bangla Airlines, said in case of flight delay their officials take prompt action and look after the requirements of passengers.

Officials from Novoair and Regent Airways also spoke at the programme.