Domestic airlines in Bangladesh witness passenger surge of 5 to 10 percent on key routes as country approaches February 12 national election, with politicians and their associates choosing air travel for campaign tours.

Increase is most significant on Sylhet, Saidpur and Rajshahi routes, according to officials from the country's three private airlines. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman have conducted whistle-stop tours across southern and northern districts by air instead of road journeys.

Mofizur Rahman, managing director of Novoair, confirmed media that demand has climbed by 5 to 10 percent on Sylhet and Saidpur routes due to ‘national election fever’. His airline operates 22 daily flights from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Chattogram and Saidpur.

BNP sources revealed that on January 28, Tarique Rahman’s rally in Rajshahi was postponed by one day because no airline seats were available, highlighting the extent of demand.

Kamrul Islam, public relations officer for US-Bangla Airlines, told media about similar improvements. Load factors have risen by 5 to 10 percent on Sylhet and Saidpur routes.

He noted that an additional trend of non-resident Bangladeshis living in United Kingdom flying into Sylhet to participate in election festivities.

US-Bangla, the largest private operator in Bangladesh, runs an average of 60 domestic flights daily across six routes to and from Dhaka.

Air Astra, the newest market entrant, has also experienced the uptick. Deputy General Manager Mozammel Haque Bhuiya estimated the boost will not exceed 5 percent. Airline operates 22 flights daily to Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Sylhet and Saidpur.

Campaigning officially ends on February 10, giving politicians one week to complete their nationwide tours before polls.