Bangladesh eases air travel restrictions on domestic flights

In line with the updated guidelines, which also comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules, domestic flights operators are now allowed to carry passengers in all seats except the last two rows, on condition that airlines provide face shields to passengers.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman told journalists that the decision was taken following growing demands of passengers in domestic routes and as the COVID-19 situation is showing signs of abating in the country.

He, however, said operators have to keep at least two consecutive rows from the front/aft on any side (left/right) in economy class and at least one row in business class vacant for the use of COVID-19 suspected passengers.

Apart from them, the CAAB chief said operators shall provide face guards to all passengers occupying either on the aisle seat for two-seat rows or center seats in three-seat rows.
CAAB in its guidelines had earlier said operators have to keep at least 25 percent seats vacant on each flight to ensure proper social distancing.

In an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, since March 21, CAAB shut down all the domestic flights.

CAAB on June 1 permitted operation of all domestic flights maintaining social distancing and following health guidelines.

Flight operations on international routes from Bangladesh also resumed from June 16 on a limited scale.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Bangladesh totaled over 336,000, while fatalities stood at 4,702, according to the figures reported by the Directorate General of Health Services under the country's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.