Shahjalal Airport Boosts Security and Services for Eid Travel Rush

"Security at the airport has been strengthened to ensure passenger safety and improve service quality. We’ve also set up assistance desks and a 24/7 hotline to provide travelers with constant access to support and information," said HSIA Executive Director Group Captain M Kamrul Islam in a statement to BSS.

With the expected surge in passenger traffic during the Eid rush, security agencies including AVSEC, the Bangladesh Air Force Taskforce, and the APBN will be on high alert to assist travelers, Islam added.

To ensure swift travel, HSIA has implemented special arrangements for faster luggage delivery, allowing passengers to quickly collect their belongings without hassle.

To further improve service, HSIA has rolled out a 24/7 hotline, a bilingual dynamic website, and advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Additionally, a dedicated coordination team of energetic young members has been established to address passenger concerns promptly.

Passengers can reach the hotline at 13600 (shortcode) or 09614-013600 (longcode) for assistance at any time. Upon submitting a complaint or query, travelers will receive a tracking number via SMS and email to monitor the progress of their cases.

“We are working closely with various agencies to enhance the overall passenger experience during Eid-ul-Fitr,” Islam noted.

To accommodate the anticipated rise in travelers, flight frequencies have been increased, particularly on domestic routes operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other private carriers.

"Biman will operate 13 additional flights on the Dhaka-Rajshahi, Dhaka-Syedpur, and Dhaka-Barishal routes in addition to its regular schedule to meet increased demand," said Biman’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

The national flag carrier will operate seven extra flights on the Dhaka-Rajshahi-Dhaka route from March 26-30, and five additional flights on the Dhaka-Syedpur-Dhaka route from March 26-29, with two more on March 30. Biman will also operate one additional flight on the Dhaka-Barishal-Dhaka route on March 27.

Private carrier Air Astra has also added two extra daily flights to Saidpur, supplementing its regular two daily flights, while planning three additional flights to Cox's Bazar after Eid.

“We will also operate three additional flights to Cox's Bazar after the Eid holiday,” confirmed Air Astra’s CEO Imran ASif.

However, US-Bangla Airlines, the largest private carrier, has not announced additional flights, while Novoair has adjusted its existing 16 daily flights across seven domestic destinations.