European Union signs aviation agreement with the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

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Today, the European Union and Bangladesh have signed a Horizontal Aviation Agreement . This agreement will allow any EU airline to operate flights between Bangladesh and any of the seven EU Member States [1] whose bilateral air services agreements with Bangladesh does not already allow this. Previously, these bilateral air services agreements only permitted airlines owned and controlled by the signatory Member State or its nationals to fly between that country and the non-EU country.

By granting all EU air carriers non-discriminatory access to routes connecting the EU and Bangladesh, this agreement promotes open and fair competition and will promote enhanced connectivity. Both the EU and Bangladesh will benefit from the legal certainty provided by this agreement.

Background

The horizontal agreement between the EU and Bangladesh is another deliverable of the Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, which is intended to generate growth for European businesses, foster innovation and allow passengers benefit from safer, more sustainable and affordable flights.

Next steps

Both the European Union and Bangladesh will now proceed with their respective internal procedures to put the conclusion of the agreement in place.

[1] Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, France and Slovakia have bilateral air services agreements with Bangladesh in place, which will be covered by this Horizontal Aviation Agreement.

Quote(s)

This agreement marks a new addition to the long list of countries with which the EU has made traffic rights available to all EU airlines. It will provide more opportunities to develop long-haul services to the Bangladeshi market and demonstrates the commitment of the EU and Bangladesh to improve their aviation ties and boost connectivity.

Adina Vălean, Commissioner for Transport

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