Bangladesh-Türkiye Air Links to Expand

Bangladesh and Türkiye are looking to expand air connectivity through additional Dhaka-Istanbul flights and possible direct services from Chattogram and Sylhet. Turkish Airlines currently operates seven weekly flights on the Dhaka-Istanbul route. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat welcomed Türkiye’s interest in adding three more weekly services and said the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would create greater scope for additional flights.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a Turkish delegation led by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday (September 30).

Türkiye’s delegation included Embassy Commercial Counsellor Bilal Belyurt and Turkish Airlines Bangladesh Country Director İslam Güre.

The meeting discussed strengthening existing bilateral ties, along with cooperation in aviation, tourism, investment and people-to-people connectivity.

Turkish Airlines currently operates seven weekly flights between Dhaka and Istanbul. Welcoming Türkiye’s interest in adding three more flights, Millat said the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would increase opportunities for additional services.

The minister also called for considering direct air links between Türkiye and Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. He said a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates, particularly from the Chattogram and Sylhet regions, have significant international travel needs. Additional services from these airports would make travel between the two countries easier.

Investment in Bangladesh’s tourism sector was also discussed. Millat said the government has taken an initiative to develop 1,498 tourist destinations under a public-private partnership framework. Foreign investors are being encouraged to invest in infrastructure, management and service improvements at these destinations.

Inviting Turkish investors to Bangladesh’s tourism sector, Millat said Türkiye’s experience in tourism development, hospitality and related fields could contribute to the development of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.

The meeting also focused on simplifying visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens. The minister said easier visa facilities are important for increasing people-to-people contact, business, tourism and mutual cooperation.

He said stronger people-to-people connectivity would make relations between the two countries deeper and more diverse. He called for effective measures by both countries to simplify visa procedures.

Both sides expressed interest in further strengthening aviation, tourism, investment and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and Türkiye.

The aviation minister said the Bangladesh government was working sincerely to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. He added that expanded cooperation in aviation and tourism would benefit people in both countries.

//DBTech/BNO/SMP/DMOt//