Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 6, 2025 (BSS) - Emirates has been named the "Best International Airline", US-Bangla Airlines the "Best Domestic Airline", and Saudia Cargo the "Best Cargo Airline" at the "Share Trip-Monitor Airline of the Year 2024" awards, recognising their excellence in service in Bangladesh's aviation sector.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country's travel and tourism industry, the jury committee presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Taufiq Uddin Ahmed, Founder and Chairman of Galaxy Bangladesh, for his pioneering role in promoting the sector.

The awards were presented at a gala ceremony held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday evening, based on an online survey in which over 3,000 frequent flyers participated. 

Trophies were awarded across a record 23 categories, acknowledging outstanding contributions by airlines, airport lounges and associated organisations.

Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Md. Fahimul Islam attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, Professor Dr. M. Sadiqul Islam, Chairman of the Jury Committee, Sadia Haque, Co-Founder and CEO of Share Trip, Mohammad Saiful Hoque, Country General Manager and CEO of Sabre Bangladesh, and Asif Ahmed, Acting General Manager of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, were present as special guests.

Speakers at the event highlighted the positive transformation taking place in Bangladesh's aviation industry and emphasised the importance of sustainable development in the travel and tourism sector to enhance passenger experience and competitiveness.
    
The event introduced new categories this year, including "Most Popular Airline Brands in Bangladesh", under which 12 airlines were recognised. 

The selection process was overseen by an 11-member jury panel, comprising eminent personalities from the aviation, tourism, academic, and business sectors, which rigorously validated the survey data before declaring the winners.

Organised by The Bangladesh Monitor, the country's leading aviation and tourism publication, the "Airline of the Year" awards were first launched in 2007 to recognise excellence in the aviation sector. 

The "Airline of the Year" award aims to encourage airlines to continuously improve their services, playing a crucial role in fostering a competitive environment within the aviation industry and contributing to the growth and sustainability of Bangladesh's travel and tourism sector.