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Navigating Turbulence: The Evolution of Airline Travel Agencies in Bangladesh amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Anik Roy

    (Department of Management, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh)

  • Dr Qazi Moinuddin Mahmud

    (Department of Management, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Abstract

The airline travel agency sector in Bangladesh experienced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to shifts in business operations, consumer behavior, and industry dynamics. This study made a comparative analysis of the operational strategies, financial performance, and market adaptation of airline travel agencies before and after the pandemic. Findings indicated that while pre-pandemic operations were largely dependent on traditional ticketing and in-person services, post-pandemic strategies emphasized online booking, flexible policies, and diversified revenue streams. The study highlighted resilience measures adopted by agencies, challenges faced during recovery, and the long-term implications for the travel industry in Bangladesh. The insights derived from the investigation provided valuable recommendations for future crisis preparedness and sustainable growth in the airline travel sector. The findings revealed that post-pandemic recovery was driven by digital transformation, the adoption of flexible travel policies, increased collaboration with airlines, and the integration of value-added services such as travel insurance and visa assistance. Despite signs of recovery, challenges such as fluctuating airfare prices, changing travel regulations, and evolving consumer behaviors continued to shape the industry. By analyzing these shifts, the study provided valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of airline travel agencies in Bangladesh. It also offered recommendations for future crisis preparedness, digital innovation, and long-term sustainability in the travel sector. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how travel agencies could navigate disruptions and leverage emerging trends to enhance business continuity in a post-pandemic landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Anik Roy & Dr Qazi Moinuddin Mahmud, 2025. "Navigating Turbulence: The Evolution of Airline Travel Agencies in Bangladesh amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3), pages 936-944, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-3:p:936-944
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Sigala, Marianna, 2020. "Tourism and COVID-19: Impacts and implications for advancing and resetting industry and research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 312-321.
    3. Suau-Sanchez, Pere & Voltes-Dorta, Augusto & Cugueró-Escofet, Natàlia, 2020. "An early assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on air transport: Just another crisis or the end of aviation as we know it?," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
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