Biman resumes Dhaka-Narita flights after over a year

National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed regular flights on the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route after a suspension of more than a year.

The inaugural flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Narita at 2:25am today with 143 passengers on board, according to a media statement.

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Narita International Airport serves as one of the main international gateways to Tokyo.

The resumption of the route is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Bangladesh and Japan and boost trade, investment, tourism, education, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam attended a programme to greet passengers and exchange views before the inaugural flight departed. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat was present as the special guest.

Officials said the route's reopening would provide a convenient travel option for businesspeople, students, tourists and expatriate Bangladeshis while helping deepen economic cooperation and bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

Biman will operate the route with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline said it remains committed to providing safe, punctual and internationally standard services while expanding its global network to improve Bangladesh's air connectivity.