The government is considering subsidy on airfare for Middle East-bound migrant workers -- through Expatriates' Welfare Ministry, State Minister for Civil Aviation M Mahbub Ali said today.

"Middle East-bound passengers are facing financial hurdles due to the hike in airfare. But the process of increasing plane fare is not limited to Bangladesh Biman; it's an international issue," the state minister said while talking to reporters after observing construction of the new terminal building and extension work at Sylhet international airport.

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Flights to Middle East: Sky-high airfare adds to migrant workers’ woes

The state minister said the workers are usually informed about their visas four to five days before their flights and they have to buy tickets at high prices on short notice.

Expatriates' Welfare Ministry is working on how the government can help these Middle East-bound expat workers through subsidy.

About Sylhet airport, he said, "An audit team from New York will be visiting Bangladesh from February 27. We are hopeful that we will be able to start direct flights on New York-Sylhet route soon," the state minister said.