CAAB concerned over poor cabin conditions, high airfares on some int'l flights

Detailed summary

Regulator asks airlines to improve cleanliness, passenger services and ensure reasonable fares on Bangladesh routes ...

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has raised concerns over poor cabin conditions, passenger services, and relatively high airfares on some international flights operating to and from Bangladesh.

In a letter issued today, CAAB said some airlines were operating aircraft of comparatively lower standards and providing poorer passenger services on Bangladesh routes than on their other international routes.

The letter, signed by CAAB member (Flight Standards and Regulations) Air Commodore Md Monirul Islam, was sent to domestic and foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh and the Airline Operators Committee.

CAAB said it had found unclean and poorly maintained aircraft cabins on some flights, including dirty seats, floors, carpets, toilets and tray tables.

The regulator asked airlines to ensure proper cabin cleaning before every flight and regularly maintain hygienic conditions.

It also urged operators to deploy aircraft that meet appropriate safety, comfort and passenger-service standards on Bangladesh routes.

CAAB said passengers travelling to and from Bangladesh should receive the same standard of service and comfort that airlines provide on their other international routes.

The authority also expressed concern that airfares on some routes were relatively high compared with travel distances and the services provided.

It asked airlines to review fares, taking flight distances into account, and take steps to ensure reasonable pricing.

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Daily Star. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.