THE move by the government to resume airline flights to all domestic airports next month is commendable, given especially the need for inter-district connectivity where business and tourism are concerned. It is important to mordernise the transport system in all possible ways. And one of those ways is the use of airports and airstrips which have so far lain under-used or not used at all. We expect this new decision to be implemented in full and for advantages to accrue to the country from it.

While we appreciate the move, we must also point out some significant realities that should have been taken note of earlier. With the national flag carrier and a fairly good number of private airlines in operation in the country, it should have been for the authorities to devise the ways and means through which all airports, especially the four district airports now being emphasised by the authorities, could have been made and kept operational. Measures such as the availability of short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft are of considerable importance in the context of our geography and particularly where there is a paramount need for an expansion of business activities within the country. The government has suggested that Biman and the private airlines coordinate their activities and ensure that at least one flight a week is made to each of the district airports and back. Ideally, more than one flight, say three, look more feasible in the sense that such a schedule will act as a huge spur to the business community as also help citizens in taking advantage of the flights to plan their travel schedules. In this day and age, countries go all the way to ensure that their airports not only remain functional but also have the capacity for expansion. That is precisely the approach we require where aviation is concerned.

There are quite a few steps the government needs to consider quickly if inter-district travel is truly to be ensured. In the first place, new STOL aircraft must be purchased for Bangladesh Biman to enable it to expand its network in the country. In the second, thoughts must also be given to the high charges, VAT, taxes and the like that the private airlines feel are restricting their ability to operate to public satisfaction. While it will be difficult for the authorities to subsidise the operations of the private airlines, we think that some common ground can be explored here. The private airlines must also convince the country that they are equipped to operate regular flights and be service-oriented, and that a sudden suspension of flights will not ruin the plan.

The question of price must receive serious consideration. Domestic air travel is expensive and acts as a serious impediment to market expansion. Reduced ticket price will gretly increase the market.