Biman Bangladesh Airlines today (December 16) spread its wings to south Indian city Chennai especially to facilitate Bangladeshi medical service seekers coinciding with Bangladesh's 53rd Victory Day.
The inaugural flight operated by Boeing 737 carrying 161 passengers took off from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 12.50 pm (local time) and is scheduled to reach Chennai International Airport in India at 3:20 pm (local time).
Initially, Biman will operate weekly 3 flights on this route on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday with departure from Dhaka at 12:50 pm (local time) and arrival at Chennai at 3:20 pm (local time) and return flight Departure from Chennai at 4:15 pm (local time) and arrival at Dhaka at 7:30 pm (local time).
State Minister for civil aviation and tourism M Mahbub Ali inaugurated the inaugural flight of the national flag carrier virtually as the chief while Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma was present at the opening ceremony at the HSIA.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim gave the welcome speech at the inaugural ceremony that was also addressed by Biman Bangladesh Board of Directors' Chairman Mostofa Kamal Uddin, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Md Mokammel Hossain and HSIA's Executive Director Captain M Kamrul Islam.
The state minister said embarking on a new trajectory to Chennai is not a mere extension of Biman's wings rather it is a jubilant celebration of the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and India on the Victory Day with the triumphant spirit of the nation.
He hoped that the newly unveiled route will foster heightened economic collaboration, vibrant cultural exchange, and strengthen people-to-people connectivity in line with strong bond between Bangladesh and India that is rooted in shared values, ethnic affinities and a joint commitment to progress.
Indian high commissioner said the partnership and engagement between India and Bangladesh have grown at a very repaid pace in recent years while connectivity is one of the major manifestation in transformation of the relationship.
Last financial year, Verma said, India issued 15 lakhs visa to Bangladeshi nationals while the number is going to surpluses this year.
BDST: 1654 HRS, DEC 16, 2023
MN
