Biman resumes direct Dhaka-Narita flights after year-long suspension

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its direct Dhaka-Narita service once again after remaining suspended for more than a year.

The route was officially relaunched late Monday (July 27) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam inaugurated the service.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the resumption of the route was the result of coordinated government efforts and expressed optimism that the service would now operate on a commercially sustainable basis without facing another suspension.

She noted that seats on the inaugural flight and several subsequent flights had already been fully booked, reflecting strong demand from the Bangladeshi community in Japan.

The minister said the restored direct connection would further deepen bilateral ties while creating new opportunities for economic cooperation, investment and stronger people-to-people relations.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the route had been reinstated to facilitate travel for nearly 45,000 Bangladeshi students, workers and expatriates living in Japan.

He added that the government is considering expanding the Biman's fleet with Airbus aircraft, alongside Boeing jets, to meet future passenger demand and ensure uninterrupted operations on the route.

Following the inauguration, the minister and state minister greeted Japan-bound passengers before formally launching the service.

The direct Dhaka-Narita route was suspended on July 1, 2025, during the interim government's tenure. The first resumed flight, BG-376, departed Dhaka for Narita at 2:25am on Monday night.