Bangladesh rejects fifth freedom rights to UAE airlines

Bangladesh’s aviation authority has rejected a proposal to grant fifth freedom rights to airlines from the United Arab Emirates. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and UAE officials held a bilateral meeting this week to discuss the possibility of fifth freedom rights and increased flight operations. Fifth freedom rights would permit UAE carriers to carry passengers between Bangladesh and third countries. After two days of detailed negotiations, the Bangladeshi authorities have rejected UAE’s request for fifth freedom rights amid concerns it would hinder the growth of local airlines. The meeting was attended by 22 representatives from the UAE, including officials from the General Civil Aviation