Analysis of Facebook comments reveals 85-90% negative sentiment as expatriates reject affordability claims on Middle East routes

Biman Bangladesh Airlines faced severe criticism from passengers after claiming to offer 'affordable fares' on Middle Eastern routes in a recent Facebook post, with analysis showing 85 to 90 per cent negative sentiment among commenters.

Analysis of engagement under Monday's promotional post revealed overwhelming public rejection of the national carrier's pricing claims. Only 5 to 7 per cent of responses expressed positive sentiment, while 8 to 10 per cent remained neutral or asked route-related questions.

Ticket pricing emerged as the strongest source of dissatisfaction. Passengers highlighted extreme fare disparities, with multiple commenters noting that Jeddah to Dhaka tickets cost only 650 Saudi riyals while Dhaka to Jeddah fares range between Tk 60 thousand and Tk one lakh. Similar complaints surfaced for Dubai routes, where inbound flights cost Tk 15 thousand compared to Tk 90 thousand for outbound journeys.

Masum Patwary's comment highlighting the Jeddah fare gap received 21 likes, becoming the most popular response. Rasel Mia's remark that 'tickets are most expensive on this route' garnered 9 likes, while Nazrul Nazru's demand for Bahrain route activation received 7 likes.

Many commenters alleged that a ticketing syndicate controls the market, creating artificial scarcity to maintain high prices. Repeated calls for 'breaking the syndicate' and 'ensuring transparency' reflected public desire for structural change. Passengers believe middlemen manipulation prevents genuine price reductions.

Service quality complaints compounded pricing frustrations. Users reported flight delays, baggage loss or damage, and unprofessional cabin crew behaviour. These negative experiences have eroded customer trust, with some commenters calling for boycotts of the national carrier.

Route expansion demands dominated neutral comments. Expatriates repeatedly requested direct flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, Dammam and Salalah. Workers emphasized that direct connections would save money and reduce travel fatigue. Chattogram route requests also appeared frequently.

Despite overwhelming negativity, small numbers of passengers reported recent positive experiences. These commenters noted improved service, timely luggage delivery and better crew behaviour, suggesting progress remains possible with consistent effort.

Communication gaps became apparent as numerous users directly asked for updated ticket prices on specific routes. Passengers want clear, accessible fare information rather than promotional rhetoric that does not match reality.

Analysis indicates the disconnect between branding narrative and user experience fuels resentment. When promotional language claiming affordability contradicts actual pricing, frustration intensifies among the expatriate community facing economic pressure.

Migrant workers expressed particular anger over fare discrimination. Many stated that flying with the national carrier has become a luxury rather than a basic service for ordinary Bangladeshis. Passengers increasingly shift towards foreign airlines or multi-stop transit routes, eroding trust in Biman.

Comment patterns reveal that recent promotional messaging delivered a noticeable blow to brand image within the expatriate community. Public frustration reflects not just emotional response but accumulated years of dissatisfaction with pricing structures and service standards.

Scattered positive remarks suggest improvement potential exists if the airline addresses transparency concerns, reduces one-way fare disparities, and launches flights to high-demand destinations like Bahrain and Kuwait. Honest fare disclosure could reduce backlash and restore authenticity in communications.

Expatriate communities, particularly those in Bahrain and Kuwait, expressed heightened disappointment due to absence of direct routes. Workers argued that lack of connectivity forces them to spend more money and time on connecting flights through other hubs.

Analysis methodology examined engagement patterns, comment themes, sentiment distribution and specific user demands. Most liked comments consistently focused on price inconsistency and unmet route requirements, demonstrating how deeply these issues affect migrant workers' daily lives.