The New Nation - Internet Edition

Tapan Chakraborty, Barisal

Flight of Biman Air United Airlines on Barisal-Dhaka air route appears to be on the verge of closure due to shortage of passengers. Special reduced fare rate has been offered by this private airline but little response is received from passengers. This air route was resumed on 28th September last after remaining closed for about two years.

United Air fixed fare rate at Taka 4,495 including taxes for one way trip and Taka 8990 for a trip with return journey. Flight contained for three days a week. Though it has a capacity of 37 passengers but more than two-third seats remain unoccupied in almost each flight. To reduce the loss United Air has offered to sell each seat at attracts 2250 if booking be done 72 hours ahead. But even this offer has failed to altruist passengers who mostly prefer to travel by launch or bus. The airline is maintaining the air route despite heavy loss but it is doubtful whether it can continue much longer. The officer in charge Abul Hassan has expressed disappointment at the number of passengers but said that they would try to maintain the aerial route.

Biman Bangladesh used to ply on this route at a profitable rate compared to other aerial routes of the country. Yet Biman closed down the route on 29th October of 2006. As a result, the airport built at a cost of Taka 30 crores became a useless cattle-grazing ground and a den of anti-social elements. The air route was resumed after about two years but again is about to he closed due to passenger crisis.