The Ministry of Aviation has issued a circular regarding airfare. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has issued a circular with various directives to ensure that air travelers reach their destinations at the actual fare. The circular was issued on Tuesday (February 11) by the CA-2 sub-division of the ministry and was signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Rumana Yasmin.
The Ministry of Aviation: Key Directives from the Circular: Mandatory Passenger Details for Ticket Booking: Effective immediately, for all types of ticket bookings, including group bookings, travelers must provide their name, passport number, and a photocopy of their passport at the time of booking.
If the ticket is not issued in the passenger’s name within three days of booking, the airline will automatically cancel the ticket.
Regulations on Group Bookings:
Airlines or travel agencies that have blocked tickets through group bookings must confirm the passenger’s name, passport number, and a copy of the passport within seven days.
If the tickets remain unconfirmed, airlines must automatically cancel them within the next three days.
The actual sale price of group-booked tickets must be reported to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the time of sale, and the ministry will publish this information on its website for public access.
Online Ticketing & Pricing Transparency:
All types of air tickets must be available for purchase online, and the ticket price must be displayed both online and on the ticket itself.
Airlines and travel agencies must comply with Civil Aviation Rules, 1984 (Rule 289) regarding tariff filing.
The Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) will publish the approved tariff on its official website.
Airlines and travel agencies are prohibited from selling tickets at prices higher than the approved fares submitted to CAAB.
Travel agencies must provide passengers with the official price-stamped ticket issued by the airline, along with a receipt for the ticket sale.
Strict Action Against Price Manipulation:
If travel agencies hoard tickets in excess of demand and resell them through third parties, causing a price increase, the government will take strict action.
Under the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2022 (Rule-15), the registration certificate of the responsible travel agency may be suspended or canceled.
Special Airfare for Migrant Workers:
Airlines operating in Bangladesh and travel agencies must introduce special airfare options for workers traveling abroad with work visas.
To reduce ticket prices for expatriate workers traveling to the Middle East, Malaysia, and other destinations, all airlines, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) must take necessary steps within seven days.
Ban on Ticket Sales by Unregistered Agencies:
The circular also prohibits ticket sales through unregistered travel agencies, as per the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2013.
This circular aims to ensure fair pricing, prevent ticket hoarding, and regulate the air travel industry to protect passengers from unfair pricing and fraudulent activities.
The Ministry of Aviation…. The Ministry of Aviation… The Ministry of Aviation
