CAAB asks airlines to review fares, upgrade cabin cleanliness, passenger services

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) has asked domestic and foreign airlines operating international routes to Bangladesh to review their airfares, improve cabin cleanliness and ensure passengers receive the same standard of service offered on their other international routes.

In a directive issued today (11 November), the aviation regulator expressed concern that some airlines charge relatively higher fares on certain routes despite the travel distance and level of services provided.

Caab urged airlines to take necessary initiatives to ensure reasonable fares based on travel distance.

The authority also observed that some aircraft operating to and from Bangladesh have poorly maintained and unhygienic passenger cabins, with unclean seats, floors, carpets, toilets and tray tables.

It asked airlines to ensure proper cleaning of aircraft cabins before every flight and maintain hygienic conditions throughout the journey to provide passengers with a comfortable travel environment, read a press release.

The regulator further noted that some airlines operate relatively lower-quality aircraft and provide inferior passenger services on their Bangladesh routes compared with their other international destinations.

To address the disparity, Caab asked operators to deploy aircraft that meet appropriate standards of flight safety, passenger comfort and onboard facilities on Bangladesh routes.

It also emphasised that passengers travelling to and from Bangladesh should receive the same quality of comfort and services that airlines provide on their other international routes, ensuring they are not discriminated against based on their destination.

The directive, signed by Air Commodore Md Monirul Islam, member (Flight Standards and Regulations) of Caab, was sent to relevant domestic and foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh and the Airlines Operating Committee.

Caab said it would continue conducting inspections to monitor actual conditions and assess service standards.

Source: The Business Standard