No direct Dhaka–New York flights this year: Aviation Minister

The government sees no possibility of launching direct flights between Dhaka and New York this year due to fleet limitations, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said on Sunday (June 21).

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a workshop on the National Civil Aviation Master Plan in the capital, the minister said the acquisition of new Boeing aircraft is expected to take at least five years, making the launch of a direct Dhaka–New York route unrealistic in the near term.

“New Boeing aircraft will not be available before the next five years. Therefore, operating direct flights on the Dhaka–New York route before then is not feasible,” she said.

To address growing demand and strengthen the national carrier’s fleet capacity, the government is considering leasing aircraft from Airbus as an interim solution, the minister added.

The announcement comes amid longstanding expectations among expatriate Bangladeshis and frequent travelers for the resumption of direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and the United States.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat expressed optimism that the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would be inaugurated within the scheduled timeframe.

The workshop was organized as part of the government's initiative to formulate Bangladesh's first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and other relevant agencies participated in the event.

Officials said the master plan aims to guide the long-term expansion of the aviation sector, improve airport infrastructure, enhance passenger services and strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a regional air connectivity hub.