As of Friday 2 May 2025, Novoair, one of Bangladesh’s three private airlines, halted all flight operations, leaving passengers and employees in limbo.
This temporary suspension marks a critical moment for the airline, which has been grappling with financial challenges.
Novoair Flight Operations Suspension
Novoair’s decision to ground its fleet stems from ongoing financial difficulties. The airline, which operated five ATR72-500 aircraft, has been struggling with high operational costs.
This has included steep surcharges, landing, and parking fees. These issues are not new in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
Other carriers, like Regent Airways and United Airways, faced similar hurdles before shutting down. Novoair’s last flight took place on May 1, 2025, on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route, and since then, all services have been paused.
In June 2024, Novoair put its entire fleet up for sale through Airstream International Group, signaling deeper troubles. The airline also suspended its only international route to Kolkata in September 2024 due to low passenger demand.
Rumors of an impending closure were previously denied by Managing Director Mofizur Rahman. Instead, the April 2025 booking issues were attributed to a postponed aircraft inspection.
With the carrier now formally grounding flight operations, Novoair now faces a critical juncture.
Novoair Current Status
Unnamed carrier representatives told local media that the suspension is temporary. Novoair is actively seeking an investor to inject capital and stabilize operations.
If no investor steps forward, the grounding could last at least three months. However, the airline has assured employees that salaries will be paid during this period, offering some relief to its workforce.
Before the suspension, Novoair served key domestic routes, including Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Jashore, Saidpur, and Rajshahi.
Its grounding leaves a gap in Bangladesh’s domestic aviation market, where it competed with Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines.
Implications for Passengers and Industry
For passengers, the suspension disrupts travel plans, particularly on popular domestic routes like Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar. With fewer options, travelers may face higher fares or limited availability on competing airlines.
The broader impact on Bangladesh’s aviation sector is also concerning. Novoair’s struggles highlight systemic challenges, such as high operational costs and economic pressures, that threaten the sustainability of private carriers.
General unconfirmed speculation has linked Novoair’s woes to broader economic mismanagement in Bangladesh. While these claims remain unverified, they reflect growing public concern about the country’s aviation and economic landscape.
Looking Ahead
The airline’s future hinges on securing an investor. If successful, Novoair could resume operations and rebuild its network.
If not, it risks joining the list of defunct Bangladeshi carriers. For now, stakeholders are watching closely as the airline navigates this turbulent period.
Buy Our Magazine!
