Dhaka: Bangladesh is working to resume direct flights between Dhaka and New York next year, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said today. The minister revealed the plan during a courtesy call by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen at his office at the Secretariat here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Millat said the initiative was being pursued considering the growing commercial and diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the United States, as well as the travel needs of the large Bangladeshi community living there. He stated that securing Category 1 status under the US Federal Aviation Administration's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program is essential for operating direct commercial flights to the United States.
The US ambassador assured that Washington would extend all possible cooperation to facilitate the launch of direct flights on the Dhaka-New York (JFK) route. During the meeting, the two sides emphasized further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States, particularly in the civil aviation and tourism sectors.
Millat highlighted the government's focus on the civil aviation sector and mentioned efforts to formulate an aviation master plan to improve air connectivity. As part of efforts to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub, a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management System has recently been inaugurated at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Additionally, the government has undertaken an initiative to establish an international airport in Bogura.
He further stated that steps have been taken to procure new aircraft to develop Biman Bangladesh Airlines into a globally reputed legacy carrier, with an agreement already signed to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft. This represents an important example of long-term commercial and strategic cooperation between the two countries. The minister, however, stressed the need for expediting the delivery of the Boeing aircraft.
Turning to tourism, Millat said Bangladesh possesses immense natural beauty, and the government is encouraging private investment to develop the country's 1,498 tourist sites into international-standard destinations. Christensen said the United States stands beside Bangladesh in its efforts to become a regional aviation hub and expressed confidence that the friendly relations between the two countries would remain strong.
He also noted that US investors are interested in contributing to the development of Bangladesh's civil aviation and tourism sectors. The ambassador congratulated Millat on assuming office as a full minister and discussed possible visits to different tourist destinations to help promote Bangladesh's tourism potential.