The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has issued strict directives to all domestic and foreign airlines operating international flights from Bangladesh, instructing them to review airfares, improve passenger service quality, and address the issue of unclean aircraft.

The regulatory body has ordered airlines to maintain service standards on Bangladeshi routes consistent with other international routes and to readjust airfares in proportion to travel distances.

These instructions were outlined in a letter signed by CAAB Member (Flight Standard and Regulations) Air Commodore Md. Monarul Islam on Wednesday, which was sent to all relevant domestic and foreign airlines and the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) operating in Bangladesh.

According to the letter, recent observations by CAAB revealed that the cabins of several airlines operating to and from Bangladesh are not being properly cleaned. In many instances, various parts of the cabin—including seats, floors, carpets, lavatories, and tray tables—were found in an untidy condition.

To ensure a hygienic and comfortable travel environment for passengers, the regulatory authority has directed that aircraft cabins must be thoroughly cleaned before the departure of every flight.

Furthermore, CAAB noted that extreme disparities in passenger services on international routes have come to its attention. While some airlines provide high-standard services on other international routes, they are offering relatively substandard aircraft and services on the Bangladesh route.

The letter explicitly stated that passengers on the Bangladesh route must receive the exact same level of comfort and amenities that passengers enjoy on other international routes, and no discrimination in service standards will be tolerated.

Expressing concern over airfares, CAAB stated that ticket prices on certain routes are excessively high compared to the travel distance and services provided. Consequently, airlines have been instructed to review airfares on all routes, taking travel distance and facilities into account, and to take steps to fix them at a rational level.

The directive also mentioned that CAAB will continuously conduct inspection activities to observe real-world conditions and verify service standards.