As many as 54 local and international airlines owe Tk 316.78 crore to the Civil Aviation Authorities of Bangladesh (CAAB) for using Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
During question time yesterday, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader placed in parliament a list of names of the airlines that did not pay the arrear to the CAAB.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited tops the list with unpaid Tk 144.40 crore.
The major international airlines in the list are Emirates Airlines, Saudia Airlines, Indian Air, Thai Airlines, Air India, Air Arabia, KLM, Al- Italia, Japan Air, Sahara Air, Royal Nepal Airlines, Royal Jordan, Virgin Air, Sri Lanka Air and Jet Air.
The local airlines include GMG Airlines, United Air, Best Air, Air Parabat, Aero Bengal, and Bismillah Airlines.
The minister in the scripted answer said the airlines were served notices repeatedly asking them to clear the arrear, but they have yet to respond.
He said the CAAB has filed money suit against Aero Bengal Airlines to realise arrear of Tk 5.86 lakh.
On operating new flights, the minister said the national flag carrier has planned to operate flights in two new destinations, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Guangjhu province in China.
The airliner has also planned to resume operation of flights in New York, Manchester and Tripoli routs, he said.
