The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has asked airlines to improve cabin cleanliness, review airfares and ensure passengers on Bangladesh routes receive the same standard of service offered on their other international routes.

In a letter issued on November 11, the regulator flagged inadequate cabin maintenance on some aircraft operating to and from Bangladesh, alongside concerns over comparatively lower service standards and high ticket prices.

The letter, signed by CAAB Member (Flight Standard and Regulations) Air Commodore Md. Manirul Islam, said seats, floors, carpets, lavatories, tray tables and other cabin areas had been found dirty and untidy in some cases.

CAAB also observed that some operators provided comparatively lower standards of aircraft and passenger services on Bangladesh routes than on their other international services.

The regulator asked airlines to ensure proper cabin cleaning before every departure and maintain clean and hygienic conditions throughout passenger areas.

It also called on operators to use aircraft with appropriate standards of safety, comfort and passenger facilities.

Passengers travelling to and from Bangladesh should receive the same standard of comfort and services as passengers on other international routes of the same airline, the letter said.

Addressing ticket prices, CAAB raised concerns about comparatively high airfares considering the distance travelled and services provided. It requested operators to review fares to ensure reasonable pricing in relation to distance.

The authority said it might conduct inspections to monitor cabin conditions and passenger service quality, and asked all operators to take necessary steps to address the issues.

The letter was circulated to domestic and foreign airline representatives, as well as the chairman of the Airlines Operating Committee.