Air Astra Airlines: Complete Guide to Bangladesh’s Newest Domestic airlines in bangladesh
As Bangladesh’s domestic travel market continues to evolve, Air Astra Airlines is emerging as a significant player. With a fleet of brand-new aircraft, a growing network of routes, and a focus on efficiency and affordability, Air Astra is rapidly becoming a preferred choice for travellers within Bangladesh.
But is it worth booking? How does it compare to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, NOVOAIR, or US-Bangla Airlines? And what should you know before flying with them?
This in-depth guide covers everything, including routes, aircraft, booking tips, passenger reviews, and key comparisons, to help you make an informed decision.
👉 Related: [Biman Bangladesh Airlines Review]
The Rise of Domestic Air Travel in Bangladesh
Over the past five years, Bangladesh has witnessed a steady boom in domestic air travel, driven by:
- Growing middle-class income
- Tourism expansion (especially Cox’s Bazar)
- Business travel between regional cities
- Better road-to-airport connectivity
| Year | Domestic Passengers (Approx.) | Growth Rate |
| 2020 | 1.5 million | – |
| 2021 | 1.8 million | +20% |
| 2022 | 2.1 million | +17% |
| 2023 | 2.4 million | +14% |
| 2024 | 2.7 million (projected) | +12% |
Why It Matters: As more people choose to fly between cities like Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar, new airlines like Air Astra are essential to meeting this surging demand.
About Air Astra Airlines
- Founded: Late 2022
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Main Hub: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)
- Fleet: ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft
- Operational Focus: Short-haul, high-frequency routes within Bangladesh
Unique Fact: Air Astra is the first private airline in Bangladesh to launch with an entirely new fleet since NOVOAIR in 2013 — a move that prioritises safety, fuel efficiency, and modern passenger experience.
Fleet Overview: ATR 72-600 Advantages
Air Astra exclusively operates ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are well-suited for Bangladesh’s short domestic sectors.
Fleet Comparison Table
| Aircraft | Seats | Range | Noise Level | Fuel Efficiency |
| ATR 72-600 (Air Astra) | 70–72 | 1,600 km | Very Low | High |
| Dash 8 Q400 (NOVOAIR) | 78 | 2,000 km | Moderate | Moderate |
| CRJ200 (US-Bangla) | 50 | 2,500 km | Moderate | Low |
Why It Matters: The ATR 72-600 is quieter, greener, and ideal for Bangladesh’s short routes — delivering a smooth, comfortable flying experience.
Routes & Network Coverage
Air Astra targets a mix of business, tourism, and regional routes:
Most Popular Routes:
- Dhaka – Cox’s Bazar: Beach and tourism capital
- Dhaka – Chattogram: Business and port city
- Dhaka – Sylhet: Remittance hub, tea estates
- Dhaka – Saidpur: Gateway to North Bengal
- Dhaka – Jashore: Key regional hub in the southwest
Planned Expansions (2025):
- Barishal
- Rajshahi
- Domestic charter services
Booking Air Astra Flights
You can book Air Astra tickets through:
- Official Website: www.airastra.com.bd — best for real-time schedules, seat selection, and direct offers.
- Travel Agencies: Like FTO Travels — applicable for group bookings, add-ons, and local support.
- Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Compare prices via ShareTrip, GoZayaan, and other similar platforms.
✅ Pro Tips:
- Book 4– 6 weeks in advance for discounts.
- Watch for promo codes and bank card cashback offers.
- Subscribe to Air Astra or agency newsletters for alerts.
Air Astra Airlines: Baggage Policy Breakdown
| Class | Cabin Baggage | Checked Baggage | Extra Baggage Fee |
| Economy | 7 kg | 20 kg | 500–700 BDT/kg |
| Premium | 7 kg | 25 kg | 500–700 BDT/kg |
| Business | 7 kg | 30 kg | 500–700 BDT/kg |
✔️ Tip: Tag your bags properly. Claims for lost baggage require original tags.
### For sports gear or instruments, pre-book the additional baggage allowance during ticket purchase to avoid surprises at the counter.
Air Astra Airlines: Onboard Experience
- Air Astra offers a clean and pleasant flying experience designed for short domestic routes. The aircraft features comfortable leather seats in a 2-2 configuration, offering decent legroom and a smooth layout with no middle seats — ideal for solo and business travellers alike.
- Passengers receive complimentary bottled water, with light snacks such as peanuts or sweets provided on longer sectors like Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar or Saidpur. While meal service isn’t included, the short duration of flights makes this acceptable to most travellers.
- The cabin crew is noted for being professional, friendly, and responsive, providing a warm, helpful presence, especially for elderly or first-time flyers.
- The ambience is quiet thanks to the modern ATR 72-600 aircraft, and large windows allow for scenic aerial views of rivers, fields, and cityscapes across Bangladesh.
- In-flight entertainment and hot meals are not offered, which is standard for flights under 75 minutes.
- There’s no in-flight entertainment, which is typical for domestic airlines in Bangladesh, but passengers appreciate the quiet and modern cabin ambience.
Comparison: Air Astra Airlines vs Other Airlines in Bangladesh
| Airline | Fleet Age | Major Routes | USP |
| Air Astra Airlines | 1–2 years | Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Chattogram | Brand-new aircraft, quieter cabins |
| NOVOAIR | 7–8 years | Similar routes | Reliable operations, frequent-flyer program |
| US-Bangla Airlines | 5–7 years | Domestic + international | Biggest fleet, high frequency |
| Biman Bangladesh | Mixed | Nationwide + Int’l | State-owned, most established |
✔️ Verdict: Air Astra appeals to travellers who want quieter, eco-friendly flights with a modern fleet, especially for leisure and first-time flyers.
Domestic Airlines In Bangladesh: Customer Reviews & Feedback
What Passengers Appreciate:
- Punctuality – Flights depart and arrive on time, even during busy holiday seasons.
- Clean Interiors – Many reviewers mention the freshness of the new cabin and its hygiene standards.
- Online Booking Efficiency – The Website is responsive, easy to navigate, and sends timely email confirmations.
- Friendly Staff – Ground and cabin crew receive praise for being polite, efficient, and helpful, especially for first-time flyers or elderly passengers.
- Comfortable Flight – Quieter cabins and smooth landings have earned Air Astra a good word of mouth early on.
Where They Can Improve:
- Snack options are minimal. Many passengers expect more than just water for longer routes.
- The mobile app is not yet available — some users prefer app-based check-ins and boarding passes.
- Limited flight frequency on specific routes (1–2 flights daily) can be inconvenient for business travellers.
💬 “Air Astra felt like flying a boutique airline — new planes, friendly faces, and no delays. Just wish there were better snack choices.” — TripAdvisor user review, 2024
Air Astra Bangladesh: Best Time to Book & Save
Here are innovative strategies to save on your next Air Astra booking:
- ✅ Fly Midweek (Tue–Thu): Avoid weekend and holiday surges
- ✅ Avoid Peak Periods: Eid holidays, school vacations, and Durga Puja
- ✅ Subscribe to Newsletters: Air Astra and FTO Travels often release promo codes
- ✅ Use Local Bank Offers: Several cards offer cashback or EMI options
Safety & Maintenance
Safety is a non-negotiable standard for any airline, and Air Astra has taken significant measures to meet both local (CAAB) and international aviation standards.
Maintenance Operations:
- All aircraft undergo routine checks every 500 flight hours and are subject to daily inspections before flights.
- Maintenance is conducted by certified MRO partners, many of whom are approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Crew & Training:
- Pilots and co-pilots are recruited with extensive ATR experience and are subject to biannual simulator tests, CRM (Crew Resource Management) training, and emergency procedure drills.
- Cabin crew are trained in first aid, fire response, and evacuation protocol.
Passenger Insurance:
- All Air Astra flights are globally insured through a reputed reinsurance partner.
- Passengers are protected under international liability and compensation regulations, which include coverage for baggage loss and personal injury resulting from accidents.
✅ Overall, Air Astra meets ICAO and CAAB safety benchmarks and benefits from the reliability of new aircraft with fewer maintenance concerns than older fleets.
Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers
- Bring both printed and digital copies of your ticket.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before flight time.
- Always double-check your gate and flight status upon arrival.
- Book hotels in Cox’s Bazar early, especially during weekends and school breaks.
FAQs: Air Astra Airlines
Is Air Astra Airlines reliable?
Yes. Air Astra has maintained a consistent on-time performance record, adheres to international safety norms, and operates a fleet of brand-new aircraft. Its reliability and modern service make it one of the best airlines in Bangladesh for domestic travel.
Where does Air Astra fly?
Currently, Air Astra connects Dhaka with Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Chattogram, Saidpur, and Jashore. New destinations, such as Rajshahi and Barishal, are expected by 2025, helping to strengthen its position as one of the best airlines in Bangladesh in terms of route expansion and accessibility.
What aircraft does Air Astra use?
They operate ATR 72-600s — modern, fuel-efficient turboprop aircraft ideal for short-haul flights. These planes offer a quieter and more comfortable ride than the older models used by some other carriers.
What is Air Astra’s baggage policy?
Cabin baggage is limited to 7 kg. Checked baggage allowance varies: 20 kg for Economy, 25 kg for Premium, and 30 kg for Business class. Excess baggage is charged at 500–700 BDT per kilogram.
Does Air Astra offer online check-in?
Yes. Online check-in is available via their Website starting 24 hours before departure. Boarding passes can be printed or shown digitally.
How early should I reach the airport?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. Check-in counters typically close 45 minutes before the flight’s departure time.
Are meals served onboard?
Only basic refreshments — bottled water and light snacks like peanuts or sweets — are offered. There are no full meals due to the short flight durations.
How do I cancel or change a ticket?
Changes and cancellations must be made through the original booking platform. Fees depend on the fare type and timing.
Can I book Air Astra flights through travel agents?
Yes. Travel partners like FTO Travels can assist with bundled deals, corporate bookings, and special group fares.
Is Air Astra cheaper than other airlines?
In many cases, yes. Air Astra offers competitive pricing, especially for early bookings. Combined with its modern fleet and growing network, it’s gaining recognition as one of the best airlines in Bangladesh for value-focused travellers.
Final Thoughts: Should You Fly Air Astra?
If you’re looking for a clean, quiet, and modern flight experience within Bangladesh, Air Astra delivers excellent value. While it doesn’t have all the perks of larger airlines, it makes up for it with:
- Newer planes
- Polite service
- Good punctuality
- Competitive fares
Ideal for leisure travellers, business flyers, and families planning short getaways, Air Astra is already proving itself to be one of the best airlines in Bangladesh for domestic flights.
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