Biman to resume Dhaka-Narita flights on 27 July after year-long suspension

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume its direct Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka flights on 27 July, ending a suspension of more than a year and restoring Bangladesh’s only non-stop air link with Japan.

The announcement was made by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at a press briefing held today (15 june) at the Department of Information.

Officials said the relaunch had been delayed due to regulatory procedures required by Japanese aviation authorities.

Biman had initially planned to restart the service by 30 June. However, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) requested a comprehensive safety audit before approving operations, pushing the launch date back by nearly a month.

The national flag carrier suspended the Dhaka–Narita route on 1 July 2025, citing concerns over commercial viability, aircraft constraints and operating costs. Afroza Khanam, however, said the route had begun showing encouraging signs of profitability before its closure.

Following the formation of the current government, Biman was instructed to restore the service as part of broader efforts to strengthen Bangladesh–Japan relations and enhance economic, trade and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.

Under the relaunch plan, Biman will initially operate one weekly flight using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline said flight frequencies could be increased gradually depending on passenger demand, aircraft availability and commercial performance.

Ticket sales are expected to begin around 20 June through Biman’s website and authorised sales channels.

Airline officials expressed optimism about the route’s prospects, pointing to the rapidly growing Bangladeshi community in Japan. More than 40,000 Bangladeshis, including students and workers, are currently living in the country, creating a strong travel market between the two nations.

Officials said the announcement of the route’s return has already generated significant interest among expatriate Bangladeshis, business travellers and students. They added that with effective route management and network planning, the service could become financially sustainable.

Biman first launched direct flights to Narita in September 2023. Although the route was suspended less than two years later, its return is expected to further strengthen the growing economic and social ties between Bangladesh and Japan.