Bangladesh, Italy discuss more Dhaka-Rome flights

Bangladesh and Italy have discussed expanding aviation cooperation, including increasing flight frequencies on the Dhaka-Rome route, attracting investment in airport infrastructure and enhancing technical training for aviation professionals.

The issues came up during a courtesy meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Monday.

During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Ambassador Alessandro acknowledged the contribution of nearly 250,000 Bangladeshi workers to the Italian economy and expressed appreciation for their role in supporting various sectors in Italy.

The minister underlined the need to increase the number of flights operating between Dhaka and Rome to better serve the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy. In response, the ambassador assured that appropriate steps would be explored to improve air connectivity between the two countries.

The meeting also discussed potential Italian involvement in Bangladesh’s aviation sector. Ambassador Alessandro conveyed the interest of Italian firm The Edge Company in developing a Bird Control Management System for airports in Bangladesh.

He also highlighted the interest of Flyon Aero in establishing a training academy aimed at improving the technical skills and professional capacity of Bangladeshi aviation technicians.

Afroza Khanam expressed Bangladesh’s interest in working closely with Italy to support the development and modernisation of the country's aviation sector.

The two sides also exchanged views on attracting foreign investment through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for airport expansion and infrastructure development projects.

Earlier in the day, the minister held a separate meeting with representatives of Singapore-based aviation services company SATS.
During the discussion, SATS representatives expressed interest in providing ground handling services at the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The minister invited the company to submit a formal proposal through the appropriate process and assured that it would receive due consideration, according to an official statement.