Flight Expert 'vanishes' with clients’ money
The managing director of Flight Expert, a once-popular online flight and travel booking platform in Bangladesh, has reportedly gone missing, sparking widespread rumours that he has absconded with a large sum of customer money.
As of Saturday evening, the company’s official website remains inaccessible, and its customer service phone lines are disconnected, deepening fears of a massive financial scam.
Panic has spread among thousands of customers who booked flights, tours, visas, and Hajj packages through the platform, many of whom are now unable to access tickets or receive refunds.
Since the afternoon of August 2, dozens of customers have gathered at Motijheel Police Station, filing general diaries and demanding immediate investigation.
Speaking to Jago News, OC Mejbah Uddin of Motijheel Police Station confirmed the growing unrest: "Many people have come forward claiming that the MD and top officials of Flight Expert have fled. A police team has been dispatched to the company’s office to investigate. According to preliminary information from remaining staff, the MD hasn’t been seen at the office for quite some time. The website is down, and operations appear to have halted. The full picture is still unclear—we are collecting evidence and statements."
Launched in March 2017, Flight Expert quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and attractive discounts on domestic and international flight tickets, hotel bookings, tour packages, and visa processing services.
Known for its easy payment options, including instalment plans and mobile financial services, the platform attracted a massive customer base – particularly among budget-conscious travellers and middle-class families.
For years, it operated as one of the leading digital travel agencies in Bangladesh, running aggressive social media campaigns and seasonal promotions.
However, signs of trouble began to emerge in recent months, with delayed ticket confirmations, unresponsive customer service, and failed refund requests.
A visit to Flight Expert’s official Facebook page, once a hub of promotions and customer engagement, reveals a haunting contrast. The last post, published just days ago, announces the opening of registration for Hajj-2026, complete with package pricing and early-bird offers.
There is no mention of operational difficulties or service suspensions.
Customers who paid significant sums for future travel, including religious pilgrimages, are now left in limbo.
"I paid Tk 1.2 lakh for a Hajj package for my parents," said Shahidul Islam, a distressed customer at the police station. "They were supposed to go in 2026. Now the office is locked, the website is dead, and no one is answering calls. Are we just supposed to forget our money?"