US-Bangla Airlines to Suspend Jessore-Dhaka Flights Amid Passenger Shortage
Jessore Airport, once a bustling hub with 18 daily flights, is now facing a severe passenger deficit, operating only nine flights weekly with half-empty planes. In response, US-Bangla Airlines has announced the suspension of all its flights on the Jessore-Dhaka route starting July 16 for three months. This decline is largely attributed to the revolutionary impact of the Padma Bridge on road connectivity in the southern region, which has significantly reduced air travel demand. Travel agency owners also cite high ticket prices as a deterrent for many passengers. Before the Padma Bridge opened in 2022, the Jessore-Dhaka route saw at least 14 flights daily; now, only one flight operates with half its seats vacant. US-Bangla's manager for Jessore, Sabbir Hossain, confirmed the suspension, stating flights will resume if passenger numbers increase after three months. The airline acknowledges the 5,800 taka fare is high but necessary due to low occupancy and increased operational costs, including fuel and airport fees. The suspension will leave only two weekly flights on the route, impacting local businesses, travel agencies, and drivers. While the airlines cite low passenger numbers as the reason for high fares, travel agencies are urging for reduced fares to attract passengers. The Jessore Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasizes the airport's strategic importance, citing its geographical and commercial significance, proximity to major land and sea ports, and a large expatriate population, advocating for its upgrade to an international airport to facilitate direct export of agricultural products.
The suspension of flights from Jessore Airport highlights a critical inflection point where infrastructure development in one sector (road transport via the Padma Bridge) can profoundly disrupt established networks in another (air travel). This situation underscores the need for integrated transportation planning that anticipates modal shifts and accounts for the economic ecosystem surrounding transportation hubs. Airlines face a complex pricing dilemma: high fares are necessary to cover fixed costs with low passenger volumes, yet these same high fares deter potential travelers, creating a feedback loop of declining demand. Future transportation strategies must consider dynamic pricing models, potential government subsidies for essential routes, and diversification of airport revenue streams beyond passenger ticketing to maintain connectivity and support regional economies. The call for international airport status suggests a broader vision for Jessore's economic potential, which could be realized through strategic investment in air cargo and specialized logistics, leveraging its agricultural output and geographical position.
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