United News of Bangladesh

Travelers across the United States saw mostly on-time departures Friday (7th November 2025), even as airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights to comply with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order tied to the ongoing government shutdown. Despite a relatively stable day of travel, concern grew over additional cancellations expected in the coming week as the FAA reduces flight operations at major airports. The agency’s order follows a rise in absences among unpaid air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone nearly a month without pay. While some travelers scrambled to adjust their plans—booking alternative flights or renting cars—the cancellations still represented a small portion of total U.S. air traffic. However, long lines and last-minute disruptions were reported at around 40 major airports, including Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte. Airlines said they anticipate minimal disruptions through the weekend, and international routes remain unaffected. But Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues past next week—when controllers miss another paycheck—flight cancellations could rise from 10% to as much as 20%. Long Lines and Creative Travel Solutions At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers waited in security lines that barely moved. “It was winding through every part of the terminal,” said traveler Cara Bergeron. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Read more: Wall Street set to open higher as investors eye earnings amid US shutdown Other travelers faced bigger challenges. Karen Soika, a surgeon from Connecticut, learned her Newark flight had been moved to JFK Airport—an hour away. When rental cars were unavailable, she decided to rent a U-Haul truck and drive cross-country to Utah, where she is consulting on a TV production. Rental car companies like Hertz reported a sharp uptick in one-way rentals. Airlines Work to Rebook Passengers According to flight-tracking site FlightAware, Friday’s 1,000-plus cancellations were about five times Thursday’s total. Reagan National Airport saw the highest impact, with 18% of flights grounded, while O’Hare, Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth each lost around 3% of scheduled flights. United and American Airlines said they were able to rebook most passengers quickly, prioritizing cancellations on smaller regional routes to minimize disruptions. Delta canceled roughly 170 flights Friday, American about 220 per day through Monday, and Southwest around 120. The FAA said the flight reductions will start at 4% of operations at the busiest airports and gradually increase to 10% next week. “I just don’t want to end up stranded on an airport bench,” said traveler Michele Cuthbert of Columbus, Ohio. “Everyone’s paying the price for politics.” Experts warn that if the shutdown drags on, cargo shipments could also be affected, since nearly half of U.S. air freight moves in passenger aircraft. “Air travel is a core part of America’s economic infrastructure,” said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group. “This will ripple through business, tourism, and freight.” Why the Cuts Are Happening The FAA said the service reductions aim to ease the burden on overworked controllers, many of whom are working six days a week with mandatory overtime. As financial stress mounts, more are calling out of work. “I don’t want to see delays or disruptions,” Secretary Duffy said Friday at Reagan National Airport. “But safety must come first.” Read more: Asian shares rise on Wall Street gains as tech stocks rally despite U.S. government shutdown The FAA’s decision comes as the Trump administration continues pressuring Congress to end the government shutdown. Even if an agreement is reached soon, officials said the reduced flight schedules will remain in place until staffing levels stabilize. At Denver International Airport, officials have opened a food pantry for unpaid federal workers and asked the FAA to approve using airport revenue to cover controller pay—so far, without response. What Travelers Can Do Airlines are navigating uncertain territory, said Loyola University Maryland professor Kerry Tan. “The unpredictability of the shutdown makes it difficult for carriers to plan efficiently,” he said. Passengers are entitled to full refunds for canceled flights, though airlines aren’t obligated to cover hotel or meal costs unless cancellations are within their control, according to the Department of Transportation. Travel adviser Christina Schlegel of Arlington, Virginia, advised passengers to stay calm, check flight updates regularly, and arrive early. “Think ahead,” she said. “Have a backup plan and know what other flight options are available.” Read more: Trump embarks on three-nation Asia tour, set to meet Xi as US shutdown persists

International air flights connecting flights offer broader route options and competitive fares. However, for first-time flyers, navigating unfamiliar airports and managing transit procedures can be overwhelming. From booking to baggage, every step demands informed choices. This guide aims to simplify that journey by covering all essential aspects of multi-leg flights for beginners. Here’s a professional walkthrough for travelling globally through international air travel with connecting flights and layovers. Essential Tips for Connecting International Flights with Layovers . Pre-Booking Considerations Selecting the right flight involves more than just picking the lowest fare. Direct flights offer convenience and time savings but are often more expensive. Connecting flights, on the other hand, open access to competitive pricing and flexible routes, though they demand careful planning. Always prioritise a safe buffer between flights, preferably 2 to 4 hours for international connections. It's helpful to be proactive about potential delays, immigration checks, and terminal changes. Understanding visa and transit requirements is equally vital. In certain countries, a transit visa may be required even when the traveller remains within the airport's international zone. European hubs under the Schengen Zone often have specific rules that can surprise unprepared travellers. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Use tools like Skyscanner for price comparisons, FlightConnections for route mapping, and SeatGuru for aircraft layouts. For first-time travellers, airports with efficient signage and clear terminal layouts, such as Changi, Doha, or Munich, can make a noticeable difference. Booking Tips and Smart Planning When booking international flights with connections, the platform you use matters significantly. Direct airline websites often provide greater reliability, transparent policies, and easier support in case of delays or changes. While third-party portals may offer marginal savings, they can complicate refund or rescheduling processes. Most importantly, always ensure all legs of your journey are issued under a single ticket to secure your connection rights if a delay occurs. Your seat choice can also influence your transit ease. If your layover is short, seats near the front of the aircraft can reduce disembarking time. For critical schedules, business class may offer faster immigration clearance, priority boarding, and lounge access. Avoid tightly scheduled layovers, particularly during peak hours or late-night slots when airport services may be limited. Larger airports with complex terminal systems require longer transit windows. Read more: Shopping in Hong Kong: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Offline Assistance: Local Airline Offices For beginners, visiting the local office of an airline can provide clarity that online platforms often lack. These offices offer face-to-face guidance on booking complexities, baggage allowances, and layover arrangements. Printed itineraries, verified baggage details, and tailored layover advice make these visits particularly useful for first-time international travellers. Staff can also explain stopover hotel eligibility and suggest suitable travel insurance. They can even walk travellers through rechecking procedures during connections. Before visiting, travellers should prepare specific questions in advance on layover durations, visa implications, baggage handling, and airline-provided accommodations. Airport Navigation During Connection Upon arrival at a layover airport, following signage marked “Connecting Flights” is essential to maintaining the scheduled transfer. Depending on the airport's infrastructure, an additional security screening may be required even if the traveller remains within the international zone. Terminal changes are a critical aspect of many large hub connections. Identifying the mode of terminal transfer is best achieved through official airport apps or terminal maps. It usually applies particularly in complex airports such as Heathrow, Dubai, or Changi. Read more: Trip to Bali: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Transit procedures vary by location. In some cases, international passengers may be required to clear immigration before proceeding to the next gate, even without exiting the airport. A clear understanding of these processes contributes significantly to a smooth onwards journey. Baggage Transfer Rules Understanding baggage transfer protocols is essential when planning journeys involving connecting flights. When tickets are issued under a single booking, baggage is typically through-checked to the final destination. This eliminates the need to collect and recheck luggage during transit. However, bookings involving separate airlines, particularly those outside major alliances, often require travellers to claim and reprocess their bags at each stop. Given such uncertainties, a well-packed carry-on becomes crucial. Essential items such as medications, travel documents, a change of clothes, and valuables should remain easily accessible. Additionally, international regulations must be observed – liquid limits, electronic device screenings, and prohibited items vary by region. Strategic packing prepares for baggage mishandling while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Dealing with Flight Delays and Missed Connections In the event of delays, rebooking and compensation depend on jurisdiction and ticket structure. Under regulations, passengers are entitled to assistance and compensation when delays or missed connections result from the airline’s fault. However, when connections are missed due to short layovers or separately booked itineraries, responsibility often shifts to the traveller. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online Comprehensive travel insurance can significantly mitigate these risks. Coverage for delays, missed onwards flights, and baggage issues offers both financial protection and access to emergency support. Familiarity with policy terms and claim procedures ensures timely assistance when disruptions occur. Punctuality and Being Concerned Efficient time management is fundamental to successful transit. For domestic-to-domestic connections, a layover of at least 60–90 minutes is generally sufficient. However, international connections, especially those requiring terminal changes, demand a minimum of 2 to 4 hours. Upon landing, adjusting the phone or watch to the local time zone helps maintain alignment with airport schedules and departure times. Information desks, real-time flight display monitors, and airport Wi-Fi services can provide critical updates and assistance. Boarding gates are occasionally changed, and announcements may not always be repeated. Maintaining personal well-being and safety enhances comfort during longer waits. Many major airports offer lounges, rest zones, and prayer facilities. Valuables, passports, and essential documents should never be left unattended, particularly during overnight layovers or crowded peak hours. Read more: Top 10 Online Platforms to Book International Flights from Bangladesh Wrap Up This beginner’s guide to international air travel with connecting flights has covered every critical phase. It spans from pre-booking decisions and offline assistance to baggage handling, transit procedures, and time management. Each step presents unique challenges, but with structured preparation, even complex itineraries can unfold with confidence. Staying informed about airline rules, visa requirements, and airport layouts can significantly reduce stress. A well-packed carry-on, timely bookings, and awareness of passenger rights further support smoother travel experiences.

Online booking systems have turned once-complicated air flight arrangements into seamless digital experiences. All Bangladeshi airlines now operate official websites for ticketing convenience. A major leap forward has been the rise of flight search engines that integrate nearly all airlines under one virtual platform. Let’s explore some renowned international flight booking sites leading the country’s air travel revolution. Some Popular Sites for Booking International Air Flights from Bangladesh Here are some renowned websites where people can book air flights depending on their schedule, requirements, and budget plans.  Biman Bangladesh Airlines Link: https://www.biman-airlines.com/ The state-owned airline introduced its online seat booking system in 2010. Through its official website, passengers can effortlessly complete the entire ticketing process from home. This includes selecting the destination, date, and class and providing detailed traveller information such as email address and mobile number. Payment can be made through digital banking or any preferred mobile payment platform. Upon successful payment, an e-ticket is sent directly to the passenger's email. For added convenience, Biman Bangladesh Airlines also offers a mobile application, Biman App, available for any smartphone users. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BimanAirlines.Biman&hl=en&gl=US Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/biman/id6444130555 Read more: Online Ticket Booking in Bangladesh: Websites for Buying Train, Bus, Launch, Air Tickets Shohoz Link: https://www.shohoz.com/ A reliable platform for e-tickets across international and domestic transport, Shohoz has built a strong presence. Since its inception in 2014, it has brought buses, trains, launches, and flights under a single digital platform. On the Shohoz website, users can specify departure date, destinations, and travel dates separately for each transport mode. After completing payment via mobile wallet or bank card, users receive a link to download their ticket, either via email or SMS. The entire process is mobile-friendly, allowing seamless booking directly from a smartphone. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shohoz.rides Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shohoz-app/id1354321445?ls=1 ShareTrip Link: https://sharetrip.net/ What began as a small Facebook page named Travel Booking BD in 2013, with a focus on selling plane tickets, evolved into ShareTrip the following year. ShareTrip became the country’s first platform to offer online ticketing for both domestic and international flights through a unified system. In addition to its website, ShareTrip provides dedicated apps for Android and iPhone users. All platforms feature real-time fare listings for available flights. Customers typically receive their e-ticket via email within one to two days after completing payment. It depends on the working day, weekend, or public holidays.  Booking requires account registration, and the account can later be used to manage cancellations or rescheduling requests. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sharetrip&hl=en  IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sharetrip-flight-shop-voucher/id1469335892 GoZayaan Link: https://gozayaan.com/ Among Bangladesh’s foremost online travel agencies (OTAs), GoZayaan has been facilitating domestic and international air ticketing since 2017. Beyond e-ticketing, the platform also offers services related to hotel bookings, tour packages, and visa assistance. To place a booking, users must first create an account, which grants access to flight updates and ticket management. The website features both flight search and fare comparison tools across multiple airlines. With support for nearly all major mobile wallets and banking systems, the platform is easily accessible to a wide range of users. In addition, dedicated mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android users. IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gozayaan/id1635126688 Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gozayaan.app&hl=en Read more: Air ticket syndicate back in Bangladesh as fares rise defying govt order Wego Link: https://www.wego.com.bd/ Founded in 2005, Wego is a dynamic multinational travel platform representing over 30 nationalities. Along with domestic routes, the company offers international flights with great deals on preferred airlines. A standout feature is Wego’s direct airline comparison tool, which lets users evaluate multiple carriers in real time. In addition, the platform integrates Airalo, its exclusive eSIM service, for effortless mobile connectivity abroad, as well as e-visa solutions for select destinations. Beyond flights, Wego is a proud partner of Airbnb. They operate ShopCash, a rewards platform for shoppers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With the advantage of multiple payment methods, customers conveniently afford this world-class service.  Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wego.android&hl=en IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/wego-flights-hotels-booking/id751096907 US-Bangla Airlines Link: https://usbair.com/ With its inaugural flight launched on the Dhaka-Jashore route, US-Bangla Airlines began operations on July 17, 2014. It has since expanded its reach to major cities across Asia and the Middle East. The airline offers its frequent flyers the Sky Star Program, allowing passengers to accumulate Sky Star Miles. These can later be redeemed for flight tickets or other exclusive rewards. The website is known for its visually engaging interface and clear navigation. The platform also supports a wide range of payment options, making the entire booking experience accessible. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stsbd.fahim.usbangla&hl=bn&gl=US iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/us-bangla-airlines/id1519327703 Amy Link: https://www.amybd.com/ Since its establishment in 2015, Amy has earned a reputation as a trusted all-in-one travel platform. They streamline everything from flight bookings to hotel reservations and Umrah packages. Amy’s real-time booking system ensures instant confirmation via SMS and email, giving travelers peace of mind. With its advanced flight search, schedule updates, and price comparison features, users stay fully informed at every stage. The platform accepts a wide range of local and international banking cards and supports the most popular mobile financial services. They also offer a suite of smart tools, including the Amy Flight Tracker, live airport flight screens, and Amy Chat. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amybd.amy IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amy-bd/id1482481770 Read more: Why Are We Asked to Put Our Phones on Airplane Mode During Flights? Buy Tickets Link: https://buytickets.com.bd/ On August 19, 2018, Buy Tickets, an initiative of Airspan Ltd., began its domestic and international air ticketing operations. Today, it holds a notable position in Bangladesh’s growing travel sector. Like other leading OTAs, Buy Tickets offers a user-friendly interface for effortless flight booking. Customers receive their e-tickets via SMS or email after completing payment. The platform currently supports Android users through its dedicated mobile app. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buytickets.bd&hl=en Firsttrip Link: https://firsttrip.com/ As an initiative of US-Bangla Airlines, Firsttrip has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s leading OTAs. It fuses travel and technology to streamline flight bookings and adapt to evolving traveller expectations. Functioning as a comprehensive flight search engine, it allows users to reserve tickets on the most prominent and trusted carriers. Each carrier covers both international and domestic routes. Their standout features are Open Flight Tracker, an intuitive interface, and flexible payment choices across mobile wallets and banking platforms. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firsttrip.user IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firsttrip/id6462388200 Final Words These popular international flight booking sites of Bangladesh reshape the experience of travelling abroad with ease, speed, and reliability. Biman Bangladesh and US-Bangla Airlines reflect the country’s aviation pride. Wego, Shohoz, ShareTrip, and Amy have emerged as trailblazers in the country’s flight search engine space. The latest OTAs, GoZayaan, Buy Tickets, and Firsttrip, blend modern travel tech with user-centric features. Altogether, these platforms reflect the evolving travel industry, where digital innovation meets global connectivity.

Ever wondered why you're asked to put your phone on airplane mode during flights? It's a common request once the plane doors close and the flight attendants start their safety instructions. While it might be tough to disconnect, especially on longer flights, airplane mode is necessary. But what exactly is it, and why do airlines insist on it? Let's dive into the science behind this familiar practice and why it's still essential for your phone use during air travel. What is Airplane Mode? Airplane mode is a setting available on smartphones that disables all wireless communication features. When activated, it turns off the phone's ability to connect to cellular networks, Wi-Fi signals, and Bluetooth devices. This means that calls, text messages, and notifications will not be received or sent while airplane mode is active. The purpose of airplane mode is to prevent potential interference with aircraft communication systems during flight, making it a requirement for many airlines during the journey. Why Must Passengers Put Their Phones on Airplane Mode During Flights? Airplane mode is crucial during flights to prevent any potential interference with sensitive airplane systems. These systems, including communication and navigation systems, rely on radio frequencies emitted from the ground. However, cell phones and tablets also use these frequencies for various functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and data transmission. The problem arises when crosstalk or adjacent-channel interference occurs, where one radio receiver picks up transmissions from nearby frequencies, disrupting the intended signals. This interference can be compared to tuning into a radio station and hearing another station's transmission on a nearby frequency. Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted? Particularly during crucial moments like landing or emergencies, clear communication between the aircraft and ground control is vital. Airplane mode ensures that these communication lines remain open and interference-free. Additionally, with the advent of 5G technology, the risk of interference has increased, as signals from ground antennas and 5G devices might interfere with the airplane's radio altimeters, which gauge the distance from the ground during descent and landing. Therefore, using airplane mode helps ensure safe and uninterrupted communication during flights.

Two flights carrying passengers from two Middle-Eastern countries landed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata in India instead of Dhaka due to dense fog last night. The flights started landing in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka after 9:30 am this morning (January 14, 2024) when invisibility improved, said Group Captain Mohammad Kamrul Islam, executive director of the HSIA. Read more: Flyers on Indian flight stuck in Dhaka Airport for over 12 hours. Here’s why On January 4, thirteen flights that failed to land at Dhaka airport were diverted to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Sylhet, and Chattogram international airports.

Flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were disrupted for eight and a half hours on Tuesday (January 02, 2024) due to dense fog. Six flights that failed to land at the airport were diverted to Sylhet and Chittagong international airports, Executive Director of Shahjalal Airport Group Captain Mohammad Kamrul Islam told UNB. Read: Reception Lounge set up at Dhaka Airport for int'l observers, journalists  He said flights could not operate normally from 12 am to 8:30 am due to fog, he said adding that flight operations resumed at 9am after the weather returned to normal. According to a Met office bulletin, moderate to thick fog may occur over the country during midnight to morning and it may continue till Wednesday noon at places over the country. Read: About 300 Indian travelers stuck in French airport in a human trafficking probe  Air navigation, inland river transport and road communication may disrupt due to thick fog, it said.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will start operating Dhaka-Rome flights from March next year, Biman MD and CEO Shafiul Azim said today (December 21, 2023). He was speaking at the ATJFB dialogue, organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalist Forum of Bangladesh, at the Biman Training Centre in Dhaka. All Biman employees to get 5% allowance as ‘special incentive’ Mohammad Salahuddin, director (marketing) of Biman, said, "We discontinued the Dhaka-Rome flight after 2009. Now it will be resumed, for which GSA has been appointed, and ground-handling has been finalised.” “We can operate direct flights to Rome, Italy or via another country. We are studying it. It will take 9-10 hours for the direct flight to reach Rome,” he said. Biman commences flights on Dhaka-Chennai route For possible transition points, he mentioned Kuwait or Dubai. However, nothing is finalised, he said. ATJFB President and Special Correspondent of BSS, Md Tanzim Anwar, moderated the dialogue. ATJFB General Secretary and Bangla Vision Special Correspondent Ziaul Haque Sabuj delivered the welcome speech. London-bound Biman makes emergency landing in Sofia to save ailing passenger Senior officials of Biman and ATJFB members were present in the dialogue.

The launch of Biman's Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight will enhance trade and relations between the two countries, Badal Chaklader, president of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (BCCIJ), has said. He said this while speaking at a reception programme organised by BCCIJ in Japan's Tokyo on Sunday (September 03, 2023) night. He also thanked the Bangladesh government and Biman Bangladesh Airlines for launching the direct flight. Read: After Narita (Tokyo), Biman eyeing flights to New York, Chennai, Los Angeles, Rome "We expect that the direct flights would not be discontinued like in the past. We want more Japanese investment in Bangladesh," the BCCIJ president said. “For boosting trade with Japan, initiatives should be taken to operate daily flights in phases. The quality of services offered by the airline should also be enhanced so that domestic and foreign passengers show more interest,” the BCCIJ president added. Business leaders said that Japanese investors were often not interested in going to Bangladesh due to lack of direct flights. It also took a long time for Bangladeshis to travel to and from Japan. Relations and trade between the two countries will reach a new height due to the direct Biman flights, they hoped. They also urged Biman authorities to transport dead bodies of Bangladeshi expatriates to the country free of cost. Business leaders also demanded harassment-free services at Dhaka airport. Read: Dhaka-Narita Tokyo direct flights launched  State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Md Mahbub Ali, said, “We have 50 years of relationship with Japan. This relationship will grow even more due to the direct flights to Japan. Biman resumed flights to Tokyo, Japan after 17 years and it will facilitate passengers as well as cargo transportation.”  “Besides, more Japanese businessmen will now come to Bangladesh and invest here as our country has great potential,” he added.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is launching its Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight from September 1, 2023, Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of the national flag carrier, told UNB. The Biman CEO said that the inaugural flight will take off from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on September 1 at 11:45 pm local time and reach Narita International Airport in Japan on September 2 at 9:15 am local time. The flight, BG-377, from Narita International Airport to Dhaka will take off on September 2. Read: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts Azim said Biman flights from Dhaka to Narita will depart every Friday, Monday and Wednesday at 11:45 pm and from Narita to Dhaka, every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.   Biman Bangladesh Airlines started selling tickets for the Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from July 25. The minimum one-way fare on the route is Tk 70,828 and return ticket price is Tk 1,11,656 per passenger. Read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO Biman offered a discount on the occasion of the inauguration of direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita route. The special discount was on till August 15. At the time, the minimum one-way fare on Dhaka-Narita route was Tk 49,100 and return tickets were Tk 84,496 per passenger. Most of the opening flight tickets have already been sold. According to Biman, the number of Bangladeshis living in Japan is not significant. Japanese nationals engaged in various development projects in Bangladesh are primarily expected to be passengers on the route. Read: Market mismanagement behind the rise of egg price The Biman CEO said, “Very soon we are going to start a 24-hour call centre following the international system. Passengers will be able to get all the updated information on flights round the clock.” As part of the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ goal, automated baggage system will be introduced soon, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said. “Not even 1 kg of extra baggage will be allowed. The automated baggage system will be functional from September 1.”

Qatar Airways has closed its Dhaka office temporarily over coronavirus outbreak in the country and requested to book flight tickets online.