Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today said the government is considering further reductions in airfares, particularly as Biman Bangladesh Airlines expands its routes and increases its revenue.

Replying to a supplementary question from ruling party lawmaker Helen Zerin Khan, who represents a reserved women's seat, in Parliament, the minister said Biman had initially charged around Tk 200,000 for Hajj pilgrims' air tickets, which was later reduced by the interim government to around Tk 100,000.

“We calculated the airfare at up to Tk 154,000 during the last Hajj. This year, through dynamic pricing, we have brought it down to Tk 130,000,” he said.

The minister said the government would consider reducing the fare further in the future, taking into account Biman's aircraft procurement plans and the reopening or full operation of its routes.

“If our routes are fully operational, our revenue will increase. In that case, we will consider reducing airfares,” Millat said.

He added that Biman's ticket prices would be determined in line with prevailing practices among other airlines.

“We will determine our ticket prices keeping pace with how other airlines operate,” the minister said.

Responding to another supplementary question from opposition lawmaker Md. Mujibur Rahman (Rajshahi-1) regarding unusually high domestic airfares, particularly when tickets are purchased close to departure, the minister said the actual fare on the Dhaka-Chattogram route was around Tk 6,400, rather than Tk 12,000 as claimed by the lawmaker.

He said passengers also have to pay around 15% in taxes and other applicable charges.

Millat said the government has taken measures to prevent attempts to manipulate ticket prices or sell tickets on the black market shortly before flights.

He said the government would ensure that passengers could purchase tickets at the officially determined prices.

“I can assure you that, inshallah, you will never have to buy this ticket at a higher price. You will be able to purchase it at the price that is fixed,” he told Parliament.

The minister said the government was working to make air travel more affordable while ensuring that Biman remained financially sustainable.