Air India announces evening flights to Bangladesh, allows one-time rescheduling waiver

In light of the ongoing protests in Bangladesh, Air India has announced that it will continue to operate its evening flights AI237 and AI238 on the Delhi-Dhaka-Delhi route on Tuesday. Additionally, the airline is offering a one-time waiver for passengers who wish to reschedule their flights.

"Due to the prevailing situation in Dhaka, Air India is offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling to customers, with confirmed bookings on any Air India flight to and from Dhaka between 4th and 7th August 2024, if they desire to do so," stated Air India in a post on X.. "The tickets would have to be booked on or prior to 5th August. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority. For more information, please connect with our Contact Centre at 011 69329333, 011 69329999 or visit our website http://airindia.com."

This announcement comes in the wake of significant political turmoil in Bangladesh. On Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country after over a month of deadly protests. The protests, which began in early July, intensified into a movement demanding her resignation. Following a brutal crackdown on Sunday that left nearly 100 people dead, the military announced it would form an interim government.

India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed the situation, stating that India remains in regular contact with authorities in Bangladesh. "In the last 24 hours, we have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. This is the situation as of now. I seek the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour on which there has always been a strong national consensus," he told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

As the situation in Bangladesh continues to develop, Air India and Indian authorities are closely monitoring events to ensure the safety of their citizens and passengers.