As Bangladesh gears up for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, political campaigns are literally taking to the skies. Helicopters, once considered a luxury reserved for corporate executives or medical emergencies, have become an indispensable tool for party leaders racing against time to reach multiple districts in a single day.
From politics to business, the sky is no longer the limit
Top leaders of major parties – including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Gano Odhikar Parishad – are increasingly relying on helicopters to cover vast distances quickly. Even before formal campaign rallies hit full swing, these air vehicles are ferrying politicians from Dhaka to remote districts where road travel is slow or difficult. Campaign buses alone no longer suffice; the helicopter allows leaders to maintain a packed schedule while avoiding traffic bottlenecks and long travel hours.
The trend reflects a broader shift in Bangladesh’s helicopter industry. What was once primarily used for urgent corporate travel, transporting foreign investors, or bringing expatriates home during holidays, is now also a key part of election logistics.
In addition, helicopters are regularly employed for tourism, weddings, and medical emergencies –especially transporting critically ill patients from remote areas to Dhaka. The overlap of political, business, and personal demand is driving both the popularity and pricing of these services.
A growing aviation market
Helicopter services began in Bangladesh in 1999 with South Asian Airlines and have gradually expanded over the years. Today, 13 private companies operate a total of roughly 35 helicopters. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (BCAA), 42 helicopters are registered in the country, with most currently in active operation. Companies such as Square Air Limited, Meghna Aviation, Bashundhara Airways, Impress Aviation, BRB Air, Partex Aviation, South Asian Airlines, and Probasi Helicopter dominate this niche but growing market.
Operators note that political campaigns represent a particularly lucrative period. Fares typically rise by 10 to 25 per cent from December to February due to increased flights, standby charges, and permit costs.
Election campaigns, which require leaders to attend multiple districts in a single day, create an unusual spike in demand that aviation companies must accommodate.
Election helicopter travel: Costs and logistics
Helicopter rental costs vary depending on aircraft type, distance, flight hours, and seating capacity. Single-engine helicopters generally charge Tk 65,000 to Tk 75,000 per flight hour, with additional waiting charges of Tk 5,000 to Tk 10,000 per hour. These smaller aircraft can carry up to four passengers. Larger single-engine helicopters with six seats cost roughly Tk 100,000 per hour. Twin-engine helicopters, which accommodate up to seven passengers, charge between Tk 220,000 and Tk 230,000 per hour. For patient transport, operators offer a 30 per cent tax deduction on fares.
Probasi Helicopter has recently introduced shared flights, catering to expatriates and ordinary passengers, offering seats for as low as Tk 5,000 to Tk 6,000 per person. Passengers must book in advance and comply with specified schedules.
Rules of the air for politicians
Election travel by helicopter falls under strict regulation by the Election Commission (EC). Party chiefs, general secretaries, and leaders of equivalent rank may use helicopters, but banners, leaflets, or any campaign materials cannot be displayed or distributed mid-flight. The rules ensure that election helicopter travel remains within legal bounds while still allowing leaders to maximise their visibility across districts.
Following the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman drew attention for using helicopters in political tours, a practice that has become more common across parties. Recently, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman used helicopters to reach Khulna, while the Jamaat Amir visited Sherpur on the same day, despite both having access to special campaign buses.
The business of speed
For aviation companies, election season is now a period of high demand. Square Air, for example, uses about 45 per cent of its fleet for corporate flights, with the rest allocated to commercial and political purposes. Winter weather – particularly fog – has limited daily flights to one or two on average, but demand remains robust.
The convergence of politics, business, and personal travel highlights a new reality: in Bangladesh’s elections, speed and visibility can make all the difference. For political leaders, the helicopter is no longer a luxury – it’s a strategic tool to reach voters, stay ahead of rivals, and make an impact in a compressed campaign schedule.
In 2026, it seems, the campaign trail may not just be on the ground – it will be in the sky.