Eid Air Travel Surge Drives Up Domestic Flight Fares

Alongside the state-owned carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, three private airlines—US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair, and Air Astra—are currently operating flights from Dhaka on eight domestic routes. These routes include Dhaka–Saidpur, Jashore, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Barishal, carrying about 7,000 passengers daily.

These services are operated from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by the airlines mentioned above.

As a result, many travelers are opting for air travel during Eid journeys to avoid congestion on these routes. While air travel is generally manageable at other times, affordable tickets become scarce during Eid, often described as “a golden deer.”

Hasan Javed, an employee of a multinational company, said he had to purchase a ticket for Tk 8,000 that normally costs Tk 4,500 due to delayed booking following his leave decision. “The main problem with air travel is the fare—it suddenly doubles. Airlines increase fares during Eid regardless of demand, which is uncomfortable for us,” he said.

Investigations reveal that ticket demand for Saidpur in Nilphamari, Jashore, and Rajshahi is particularly high ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Until 28 March, domestic flights are nearly fully booked. Due to the excess demand, fares have increased up to double, leaving those who did not purchase tickets in advance in difficulty.

For instance, the standard fare on the Dhaka–Saidpur route is Tk 4,800, but airlines are now selling tickets at more than double that price for Eid. The highest demand is currently on the Saidpur route in Nilphamari. As of 20 March, fares vary by flight timing, ranging from Tk 5,000 to Tk 11,000, according to airline websites.

According to the airline’s website, flights from Dhaka to Saidpur, Jashore, and Rajshahi are almost fully booked for the Eid travel period, with only three to four seats available on some flights. Tickets for these routes can be purchased from any airline sales center, the airline website, call center 13636, or authorized travel agencies.

Airline officials said the increase in ticket prices is due to rising jet fuel costs and higher VAT and taxes. They added that reducing jet fuel prices by the government could make air travel more affordable and popular.

Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has a fleet of 21 aircraft. Considering a possible Eid on 21 March, the airline has added special flights on several domestic routes for passenger convenience. Director (Marketing and Sales) Ashraful Alam said that special flights will be operated on Dhaka–Rajshahi–Dhaka and Dhaka–Saidpur–Dhaka routes.

Meanwhile, General Manager (Public Relations) Md. Kamrul Islam of US-Bangla Airlines said that demand for Cox’s Bazar has increased several times for a continuous week after Eid.

DBTech/DHE/MUM/OR