Chattogram Airport gets boost with Flydubai’s return, SalamAir expansion

China Eastern Airlines has also expressed interest in operating flights from Shah Amanat Airport, though no official decision has been made yet

After a hiatus following the suspension of flight operations from Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport, Flydubai is set to resume services, while SalamAir expands its operations.

Flydubai, based in the United Arab Emirates, will operate daily flights from Chattogram, with a total of seven flights per week starting on Oct 26.

Flydubai initially began operating flights on the Chattogram-Dubai route in 2011, with three flights per week. In 2018, however, they suspended services due to a lack of passengers. The airline resumed operations in 2019 but again suspended them in September 2022, citing similar reasons.

Since Sept 18, SalamAir, an Oman-based airline, has doubled its flight frequency from seven to fourteen flights per week. This, along with Flydubai's return, is expected to boost passenger traffic and bring renewed vibrancy to the airport.

Ibrahim Khalil, the public relations officer for Shah Amanat Airport, said the airport had been approached by China Eastern Airlines but “nothing formal had been decided”.

Khalil said SalamAir’s increase in flights has brought a welcome boost to the airport, as they now operate two flights daily, up from one per day earlier in the month.