The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has declined to extend fifth freedom traffic rights to Emirati carriers, saying the ongoing construction of the third terminal at Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport means increasing the amount of traffic into the airport isn't presently appropriate. However, the CAAB did say their position could change once the works are complete.
The rejection followed two days of bi-lateral talks in Dhaka this week between Bangladeshi and UAE officials. Also in attendance were representatives of Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia. The Arab airlines were reportedly keen to acquire additional landing rights at Dhaka, as well as fifth freedom rights, although there were no details disclosed about where those fifth freedom flights might be to.
"Proposals for increased flight operations will be reviewed subject to future capacity expansion of airports. However, implementation of the fifth freedom air rights will not be possible," said the CAAB in a statement.
According to ch-aviation capacities data, seven airlines fly between the UAE and Bangladesh, with UAE carriers dominating. Measured by weekly seat capacity, the dominant carrier is Air Arabia with a 28.15% market share. That airline is followed by Emirates (26.69%), flydubai (13.26%), Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG, Dhaka) (10.87%), US-Bangla Airlines (BS, Dhaka) (8.89%), Etihad Airways (6.59%), and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (3L, Abu Dhabi International) 5.55%).
The Emirate of Sharjah did win one small concession at the talks, with a policy decision made that will initially preference additional flights on the Sharjah - Dhaka city pair when the CAAB agrees to lift its current capacity constraints at Dhaka.
