Dhaka, September 17, 2026: Bangladesh and India have opened discussions on expanding civil aviation cooperation, including the possibility of introducing an open-sky policy between the two neighbouring countries.

The discussions took place in Dhaka on September 16 during a meeting between Bangladesh Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Indian Ambassador Dinesh Trivedi. The two sides also discussed revising the existing bilateral Air Services Agreement.

One of the proposals under consideration involves reducing or waiving certain charges related to the use of airspace. Such a move could potentially support greater connectivity between the two countries and make air operations more flexible.

The Indian side also highlighted the possibility of using India’s domestically manufactured Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft at suitable airstrips in Bangladesh. These aircraft are designed to operate from relatively short runways and could potentially support connectivity to locations where conventional large aircraft operations are more difficult.

Bangladesh’s aviation authorities have expressed interest in working with India where cooperation could help develop the country’s aviation sector. Dhaka has also indicated its broader ambition of strengthening its position as an aviation hub in South Asia.

The latest discussions come amid wider efforts to improve practical cooperation between India and Bangladesh. Aviation connectivity is particularly significant because stronger air links can facilitate tourism, business travel, cargo movement and people-to-people exchanges.

The two countries still face several broader diplomatic issues, but the aviation discussions represent a specific area where officials are exploring increased technical and economic cooperation.

Any open-sky arrangement would require further negotiations and agreement on operational, regulatory and commercial matters before it could be implemented.

For now, the discussions indicate that both sides are examining ways to expand air connectivity and modernise the framework governing aviation services between Bangladesh and India.