Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines today resumed direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route after a suspension of more than a year, restoring Bangladesh’s only non-stop air link with Japan amid growing travel demand between the two countries. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam formally inaugurated the resumed service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) here early morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the importance of maintaining this route, expressing confidence in its profitability. She noted the strong interest among Bangladeshis residing in Japan, as reflected in the encouraging bookings for the inaugural flight and future services. The minister highlighted how the restoration of this direct air link would bolster Bangladesh-Japan bilateral relations and create new opportunities for economic collaboration.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat remarked on the significance of the service for the approximately 45,000 Bangladeshis in Japan, including students and workers. He assured that the government would assess future demand to prevent another suspension, potentially expanding the fleet with Airbus aircraft alongside the existing Boeing aircraft.
Millat also acknowledged the historical context, recalling Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s role in launching the Dhaka-Narita service in 1980 to enhance relations between Bangladesh and Japan. He credited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive for the current resumption of the service.
The ministers engaged with Japan-bound passengers before the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the flight. Biman flight BG376 departed HSIA for Narita at 2:25 am.
The national carrier had previously suspended its Dhaka-Narita service on July 1, 2025, due to aircraft shortages, operational costs, and commercial considerations. Following the formation of the current government, Biman was directed to reinstate the route to strengthen economic, trade, and people-to-people relations between Bangladesh and Japan.
Biman officials revealed plans to initially operate one weekly flight with a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with potential increases in frequency based on passenger demand and aircraft availability. The national carrier is also exploring a proposed codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) and Air Canada to transform Narita into a gateway for Biman passengers traveling to North America and other destinations.
Biman initially resumed direct Dhaka-Narita flights in September 2023 after a 17-year hiatus, prior to the service’s suspension in July last year.