Abnormal increase in airfares due to rise in jet fuel prices

PNN News Desk, Dhaka
The abnormal rise in jet fuel prices has impacted the aviation sector in the country. Passengers are facing pressure as ticket prices have increased on both domestic and international routes, and airlines are at risk of financial stress.

Regular passengers and teacher-researchers on the Rajshahi-Dhaka route, Syeda Badrun Nesa, said that the amount previously sufficient for travel is now insufficient even for a one-way ticket. Laila Arzumand Haque, who travels regularly for medical purposes, reported similar experiences. They complain that within just a few months, fares have increased by several thousand taka.

Sources say that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has driven up international fuel prices, directly affecting the country’s aviation sector. In the past few days, domestic route fares have increased by an average of nearly one thousand taka, with an even higher increase on international routes.

From Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, fares to various destinations—Chattogram, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, or Saidpur—have all risen. Previously, tickets were available for 4,000 to 4,500 taka, but now it is difficult to find tickets below 6,000 to 7,000 taka. Last-minute bookings reportedly exceed 10,000 taka.

Private airlines have stated that the sudden increase in jet fuel prices left no choice but to adjust fares. US-Bangla Airlines, NovoAir, and Air Astra all say that it is difficult to sustainably operate flights without fare adjustments under the current circumstances.

Aviation sector sources report that jet fuel prices have risen sharply per liter in a short time, placing significant pressure on the sector. This has also impacted tourism, making travel especially on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route expensive.

The same trend is visible on international routes. Travelers from Dhaka to various destinations reportedly have to spend an additional 10,000 to 12,000 taka. The situation has been further complicated by instability in Middle Eastern airspace. Recently, several countries have restricted or closed airspace, disrupting flights from Bangladesh and increasing flight cancellations and passenger difficulties.

Aviation experts suggest that in order to stabilize the aviation sector, the government should reduce taxes and VAT on jet fuel and provide support to airlines. They also recommend ensuring special facilities for airlines to manage the dollar crisis.

Meanwhile, although no immediate government action has been announced, concerned parties hope that prompt and effective measures will be taken, or the situation could worsen further.