UK lifts ban on direct cargo flights from Dhaka

Staff Correspondent: The United Kingdom has withdrawn its ban on direct cargo flights from Dhaka to London following a significant progress made in meeting a number of important security conditions.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister AKM Shahjahan Kamal and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake on Sunday came up with the announcement at a joint press conference at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Alison Blake handed over a gazette notification in this regard to the Minister AKM Shahjahan Kamal.

“I’m delighted to confirm that the temporary suspension on direct air cargo between Bangladesh and the UK has been lifted, following significant progress made in meeting a number of important security conditions,” High Commissioner Blake said.

The lifting of the suspension comes as a result of ongoing cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh, and the joint assessment of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

“I’m grateful for the close cooperation between our two governments which has allowed us to achieve this important outcome,” said the British High Commissioner.

On March 8, 2016, the British government slapped the ban on direct cargo flights from Dhaka to London after Biman failed to pass the safety and security tests.

risingbd/Dhaka/February 18, 2018/Saiful/A K Azad