Passenger crisis leaves Jashore airport nearly inactive

Jashore airport is set to lose most of its remaining passenger flights as US-Bangla Airlines will temporarily suspend operations on the Dhaka-Jashore route from 16 July due to a sharp fall in passengers.

After the suspension, only Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate regular passenger flights on the route, with two weekly flights on Tuesday and Friday, according to airport officials.

Jashore airport once handled up to 18 daily flights by all airlines combined. The number has now fallen to nine flights a week.

Before the Padma Bridge opened, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair operated regular flights on the route. Novoair suspended operations last year, while Biman and US-Bangla have been operating on a limited scale.

Airport officials and local businesses said improved road connectivity through the Padma Bridge has drawn many passengers away from air travel. Travellers from Khulna and other south-western districts, who once used Jashore airport, now often travel to Dhaka by road.

The drop in flights has affected travel agencies, hired-car drivers, shops and other airport-centred businesses, local traders said.

Arun Biswas, owner of ticket agency Skyjet, said hundreds of people linked to travel agencies, hired cars and airport-based businesses were at risk of losing income as flights declined.

"High ticket prices are also discouraging passengers from using the route," he said.

Jashore Chamber of Commerce Joint Secretary Ejaj Uddin Tipu said Jashore is an important commercial district because of Benapole and Noapara ports.

"Flights are being increased in many districts, but they are being reduced on an important route like Jashore. This is unfortunate," he said.

He called for more flights by both state-run and private airlines on the route.

Travel agencies, hired-car drivers and local businesses formed a human chain in the airport area today (8 July) under the banner of the South Bengal Travel Agency Oikya Jote.

They demanded regular morning and evening flights, lower fares on the Jashore route and ticket prices in line with other domestic routes.

They said passengers would return to air travel if fares were reduced and regular flights were maintained.

US-Bangla Airlines General Manager for Public Relations Kamrul Islam said the airline had continued operating flights on the Dhaka-Jashore route despite various challenges.

"Passenger numbers have fallen significantly after the Padma Bridge opened. People are now travelling by road. US-Bangla has taken the decision considering the reality of passenger shortage," he said.

He said the airline would resume flights on the route if passenger demand increased.

Jashore Airport Manager Ayub Ali said easier road travel after the Padma Bridge opened had reduced passenger pressure on the airport.

"Khulna passengers used to use Jashore airport. Now they travel to Dhaka by road. This has created a passenger crisis for private airlines," he said.

However, he said airport operations would not face any problem despite the fall in passengers.

Jashore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan said regular flight operations by the state-run airline could also become loss-making if there were not enough passengers.

He said the district administration would talk to aviation officials to seek a solution, considering the importance of Jashore.

The deputy commissioner also said plans were being considered to introduce cargo flights from the airport, as Jashore is known for flowers and vegetables and has export potential.