For airline operators and organizations involved in air travel within Bangladesh, understanding the regulations governing flights on routes not covered by regular schedules is paramount. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism’s Unscheduled Route Flight Operations Policy, 2020, published in the Bangladesh Gazette on January 29, 2020, provides a framework for such operations. This blog post offers an overview of the key aspects of this policy.
Introduction to the 2020 Policy
Recognizing the increasing use of helicopters and other aircraft for urgent and specialized purposes in Bangladesh, this policy aims to regulate unscheduled flights while ensuring national security and preventing illegal activities. It replaces the “Unscheduled Route Flight Operations Policy, 2001 by Bangladeshi Airline Organizations.”
Defining “Unscheduled Route”
The policy defines an “unscheduled route” as any route within Bangladesh’s airspace that is not included in the regular Air Traffic Services (ATS) routes listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication, Bangladesh (AIP-Bangladesh).
Who Needs to Comply?
This policy applies to all flights operating on unscheduled routes within Bangladesh (Rule 3). Notably, it does not apply to direct flights between two operational airports or heliports.
Applying for Unscheduled Flight Operations (Rule 4)
Operators wishing to conduct flights on unscheduled routes must apply to the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) at least 24 hours prior to the planned flight. The application must be submitted using a prescribed form and include crucial information, such as:
- Proposed flight schedule.
- Proposed route, including names and precise geographical coordinates of landing sites.
- Details of the individual or organization chartering the aircraft.
- Detailed information about passengers, including copies of national identification cards or government-issued identification (birth certificates for minors). For foreign passengers, details like country of origin, passport number, and visa copies (with validity) are required.
- Purpose of travel.
- Detailed description and declaration of any cargo being transported.
- Information regarding accommodation in case of overnight stays.
Crucially, the policy also includes restrictions on prohibited activities:
- Capturing or disseminating images of restricted areas, important government/non-government facilities, or border areas without prior permission from the relevant authorities (Rule 4(খ)).
- Transporting firearms or explosives without prior permission from the relevant authorities and passenger declaration (Rule 4(গ)). The policy also prohibits the transport of any goods declared illegal by the government.
Obtaining No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) (Rule 5)
Upon approving an unscheduled flight application, CAAB will send copies of the approval to various security agencies. These agencies have 24 hours to raise any objections. If no objection is received within this timeframe, it will be considered that they have no objection. The agencies include:
- Air Defence Directorate
- Directorate General of Defence Intelligence (DGFI)
- National Security Intelligence (NSI)
- Air Intelligence Directorate
- Special Branch of Police
- Police Headquarters
- RAB Headquarters
- Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Headquarters (if operations are within 5 km of the international border).
Specific Provisions for Emergency Medical Evacuations (Rule 6)
For flights related to Emergency Medical Evacuation or similar urgent purposes, CAAB will grant approval directly and send copies of the approval to the agencies mentioned in Rule 5.
Regulations for Corporate Flights on Specific Routes (Rule 7)
The policy outlines specific regulations for corporate flights operating on defined routes (e.g., to industrial areas, EPZs) carrying high-ranking officials of the concerned industrial establishment. CAAB will grant direct approval for such flights and send copies to the security agencies. For these flights, security NOCs from specific agencies are required annually for the list of traveling officials and the landing/take-off locations. These agencies include:
- Directorate General of Defence Intelligence (DGFI)
- National Security Intelligence (NSI)
- Air Intelligence Directorate
- Special Branch of Police
Additionally, a written declaration from the owner/controlling authority of the landing/take-off location is required with each application, stating their non-objection and their undertaking to conduct security checks and prevent illegal goods transportation.
Landing at Important Places/Facilities (Rule 8)
The policy outlines procedures for landing at military facilities or airports (requiring permission from the Ministry of Defence through CAAB) and at government or declared KPI (Key Point Installation) facilities (requiring permission from the owner/controlling authority of the facility).
Unscheduled Flights by Foreign Air Operators (Rule 9)
Foreign air operators (those not holding a Bangladeshi AOC) wishing to operate on unscheduled routes in Bangladesh must follow the application procedures outlined in Rule 4 and obtain prior permission from the security agencies listed in Rule 5. Copies of the approval will be sent to these agencies and the relevant embassy.
Security Provisions (Rule 10)
This rule emphasizes crucial security measures:
- Mandatory security screening of passengers, crew, and cargo at the terminal building or a designated location at airports before departure and after arrival, conducted according to CAAB’s prescribed rules. The Police Headquarters will coordinate this.
- Ensuring the presence of a sufficient number of local police personnel during landing and take-off at locations other than airports, with security screening of passengers and cargo overseen by the police.
- Prohibiting landings at unscheduled locations except in emergency situations. In case of an emergency landing, the nearest Air Traffic Control unit and local police must be informed immediately. A detailed written report must be submitted to CAAB Headquarters within 24 hours.
- Requiring all aircraft operating on unscheduled routes to be equipped with CAAB-approved tracking devices for monitoring.
- Mandating prompt exchange of flight-related information between CAAB and the listed security agencies, utilizing email or other digital mediums. Relevant contact details must be shared with CAAB.
- Informing the relevant Deputy Commissioner/Upazila Nirbahi Officer about landings and take-offs at locations other than airports.
Penalties for Violations (Rule 11)
Violations of this policy can result in the aircraft and the individuals responsible being detained, and the flight being canceled. Penalties will be imposed according to relevant laws and regulations.
Special Consideration Powers (Rule 12)
The government reserves the right to approve, suspend, or cancel any flight operation at any time in the interest of public safety, national security, or any other urgent state necessity.
Repeal and Effectiveness (Rule 13 & 14)
This policy repeals the previous 2001 policy. Actions taken under the previous policy are considered valid under this new policy. The policy came into effect immediately upon its publication.
Practical Implications for Businesses
Any business or individual utilizing unscheduled air travel within Bangladesh, whether through their own aircraft or by chartering, must strictly adhere to this policy. This includes timely application, providing accurate information, complying with security measures, and being aware of the restrictions on prohibited activities.