'Aviation sector needs more investment, better connectivity'

Bangladesh's aviation industry needs more investment, better infrastructure and stronger international connectivity to unlock its economic potential.

The sector plays an important role in promoting trade, tourism, foreign investment and employment, as millions of people travel for business, education, jobs and medical treatment, said Syed Ershad Ahmed, chairman of the jury board of Sharetrip�"Monitor Airline of the Year 2026, at an award ceremony held at a city hotel on Sunday.

Addressing the ceremony, he said high operating costs, infrastructure limitations and service quality remained major challenges for the industry.

He stressed the need for competitive airfares, better airport facilities, improved passenger services and wider connectivity to attract more international travellers.

Ahmed, a former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), also said airlines should focus on safety, punctuality and customer satisfaction, while healthy competition would encourage better services and benefit passengers.

He called for coordinated efforts to develop Bangladesh's aviation and tourism industries, highlighting the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage as major tourism attractions.