Travel Ticket Turmoil: 13 Agencies Deregistered
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has canceled the registration of 13 travel agencies over allegations of collusion in air ticket price hikes.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday, September 9, the deregistered agencies include Kazi Air International (Pvt.) Ltd., Citicom International Travel Agency (Pvt.) Ltd., RBC International, Megha International Air Service, Mother Love Air Service, JS Travel and Tours, Hashem Air International, Four Trip Limited, King Air Aviation, Biplob International Travel Agent, Sadia Travels, At-Taiyara Travels International, and NMSS International. The cancellations were executed through separate orders signed by AKM Moniruzzaman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry.
The statement added that a committee had been formed to identify those responsible for abnormal increases in air ticket prices and take appropriate action. The committee’s report found that the 13 travel agencies had blocked tickets on high-demand routes under the guise of group bookings for an indefinite period, selling them at inflated prices. These agencies were involved in artificial scarcity, hoarding, black market activities, and deceptive practices to earn excessive profits.
Under Section 9 of the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2013, the registration authority reviewed the investigation report, offering the agencies an opportunity to present their defense. While two agencies appeared with documentation, the other 11 failed to participate or provide required information, violating regulations. The ministry confirmed that even the two agencies that submitted papers were found to have breached conduct guidelines.
The ministry’s statement further warned, “The government will take strict legal action against any travel agency involved in abnormal ticket price hikes or excessive profit-making through GDS, GSA, or airline syndicates.” All deregistered agencies have been urged to cease any business activities, including the buying and selling of airline tickets.
