‘All measures to be taken at airports to protect passengers’

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbul Ali today said that as all measures had been taken at airports around the country, following those one could travel safely.

The minister said this while visiting the country's main aviation hub Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to observe the preparations taken by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh for resumption of domestic flight operations on a limited scale from tomorrow.

Senior Secretary of Civil Aviation Ministry Mohibul Haque, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, among others accompanied the junior minister during the visit.

The state minister also urged all air passengers to maintain health guidelines and physical distancing.

At the HSIA, footmarks were marked on the floor for the safe distancing of passengers and new seating arrangements were also set up at the airport. At the entrance of the terminal, a sign said, "No entry without mask, keep distance." Disinfectants were being sprayed in different parts of the airport.

Mohibul Haque said after taking all measures it can be said that the passengers will be able to travel safely.

The government on Thursday decided to resume flight operations on a limited scale in three domestic routes -- Chattogram, Sylhet and Saidpur from today but extend the ongoing ban on international routes except for China till June 15 to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.