<p data-path-to-node="7">&nbsp;In an effort to optimize cross-border supply chains and bypass frequent congestion at land border checkpoints, <b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="131">India and Bangladesh</b> have initiated bilateral talks to expand <b data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="193">direct air connectivity and scheduled cargo freighter operations</b>.</p><p data-path-to-node="8">The discussions, involving civil aviation authorities, trade facilitation bodies, and logistics ministries from both nations, center on revising existing bilateral Air Services Agreements (ASA) to enhance flight frequencies, add new tier-two city pairs, and create streamlined regulatory corridors for dedicated freighter flights. As bilateral trade diversifies beyond traditional overland border routes, both sides aim to leverage scheduled air logistics for high-value, time-critical merchandise including ready-made garments (RMG), active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), perishables, and electronic sub-assemblies.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="10">Key Operational Highlights &amp; Strategic Roadmap</h3><ul data-path-to-node="11"><li><p data-path-to-node="11,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Establishing Dedicated Freighter Loops:</b> Bilateral authorities evaluated permissions to launch scheduled all-cargo freighter flights connecting Dhaka and Chattogram directly with Indian industrial air hubs including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="11,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Easing Bottlenecks at Land Customs Ports:</b> Heavy land border crossings such as Petrapole–Benapole often face prolonged vehicle dwell times and physical inspection backlogs. Air cargo expansion offers an agile, multi-tier alternative for time-sensitive export consignments bound for third-country markets.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="11,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Transshipment Hub Synergies for RMG Exports:</b> Discussions addressed operational frameworks allowing Bangladeshi export apparel to utilize Indian international airports as transshipment air-hubs for onward transit to Europe and North America, reducing transit turnaround windows during global peak seasons.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="11,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Expanding Tier-Two Airport Linkages:</b> Beyond the primary Dhaka–Kolkata and Dhaka–Delhi routes, both sides explored flight expansions linking regional hubs including Sylhet and Chittagong with Guwahati, Agartala, and Chennai strengthening India’s Northeast connectivity under the 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="11,4,0"><b data-path-to-node="11,4,0" data-index-in-node="0">Digital Harmonization and Air Cargo Customs:</b> The roadmap includes implementing automated air manifest reconciliation, electronic cargo tracking, and synchronized regulatory standards to enable rapid clearance at air cargo terminals on both sides of the border.</p></li></ul>