Dhaka, Thimphu to share airports

Bangladesh and Bhutan signed an air operation agreement yesterday allowing each other to use all their airports.
As per an earlier agreement, Bhutan can use only Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Bangladesh can use Paro Airport, the only international airport of the land-locked country.
Officials at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said currently Bhutan's national carrier DRUK Air is operating several flights a week between Dhaka and Bhutan via Bangkok but Bangladesh is not operating any flight.
They also said under the new agreement both the countries are allowed to operate seven flights a week. Flights can also be operated to more overseas destinations from the countries.
At Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) head office, Caab Chairman Air Commodore Mahmud Hasan and the managing director of Bhutan Civil Aviation signed the agreement.
A Bhutanese delegation led by Minister for Communications and Information Lyonpo Nandalal Rai and a Bangladesh delegation led by GM Quader, minister for civil aviation and tourism, will visit Saidpur and Lalmonirhat airports today, reports our Lalmonirhat correspondent.
After the visit, the Bhutanese delegation will return to their country via India.
Sources said Bhutan is more interested in using Saidpur airport as this airport is almost ready for operation though no flight operation is taking place there now.
Once India allows Bhutan to use its land, Bhutan will start using the airport, the sources added.
Bangladesh civil aviation minister and the visiting Bhutanese minister were present during the signing of the agreement.
The Bhutanese minister said the agreement will be beneficial to air service operators and businessmen of both the countries.