On March 8 the UK government announced a ban on carrying cargo on direct flights from Dhaka to the United Kingdom until further notice, due to concerns over international security standards. Although exporters worry that if the ban continues for a long time, vegetable exports could be affected, presently suppliers are using non-direct flights to carry the products, so exports will not be hurt much, according to insiders.
Only Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated direct cargo flights from Dhaka to the United Kingdom while other carriers run non-direct flights. The national airlines operated four weekly flights carrying cargo before the ban.
An average of 30-35 tonnes of vegetables and other agricultural products are airshipped daily from Bangladesh to different destinations, and 40% of them to the UK market.
The UK government's web post on the matter added: “Airlines carrying cargo between Bangladesh and the UK on indirect routes are being asked to ensure it is re-screened before its final leg into the UK.”
On December 19 last year, Australia also imposed a ban order on air cargo from Bangladesh due to security concerns.
According to Export Promotion Bureau data, during July-February period of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh earned $2.46bn from exports to the UK, of which, $2.27bn were RMG products and $7.5m vegetables and other agricultural goods.
