Bangladesh airline market competition becomes intense, with two new startups including an LCC

Bangladesh's domestic and regional international markets are becoming increasingly competitive as the country's private airline sector continues to expand rapidly. There are now three privately owned airlines operating in Bangladesh with two more preparing to launch operations.

Competition has intensified on the main domestic routes as well on some of Bangladesh's largest international routes. Some international routes now have three Bangladeshi carriers, including government-owned Biman Bangladesh, with the prospect of one or two more entering in the near term.

The growth of the private airline sector in Bangladesh comes as Biman Bangladesh attempts a turnaround and pursues expansion. The current Biman business plan includes increased focus on the domestic market but Biman would arguably be better off focusing on the international market, in particular medium and long-haul routes which are unlikely to see local competition.