Bangladesh Plans to Increase Dhaka–Rome Flights, Discusses Tourism MoU with Italy
Bangladesh and Italy have discussed expanding air connectivity and strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government plans to increase flights on the Dhaka–Rome route after new aircraft are added to the fleet.
On Wednesday (October 14), Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro and Deputy Head of Mission Federico Zamparelli paid a courtesy call on the minister at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. They discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in air services, investment in the aviation sector, aircraft maintenance and repair, and tourism development.
During the meeting, the Italian government expressed interest in increasing the number of flights on the Dhaka–Rome route. In response, Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said plans would be made to increase flights after new aircraft are added, considering the travel needs of the large Bangladeshi expatriate community living in Europe. Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently operates six flights a week on the route.
The meeting also discussed attracting Italian investment in Bangladesh’s aviation sector. The possibility of establishing aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities was highlighted, along with interest in drawing on the experience and expertise of Italian companies AG, Atitech SpA and Gilardoni.
The development and inauguration of Cox’s Bazar Airport also came up for discussion, with a view to making travel easier for international tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar and other tourist destinations across the country. The two sides also discussed establishing special “red zones” to ensure the safety, comfort and improved travel experience of foreign tourists.
Increasing the number of Italian tourists visiting Bangladesh was another key focus of the meeting. Both sides discussed opportunities to boost tourism exchanges by improving tourist attractions, transport links and visitor facilities. They also expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh and Italy to this end.
During the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening friendly relations and expanding mutual cooperation in air services, aviation investment and tourism development. They expected these initiatives to improve connectivity between the two countries, create new investment opportunities and accelerate the growth of the tourism sector.
