Biman resumes Dhaka-Narita flights after year-long suspension

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

Flight BG376 departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) for Japan’s Narita Airport at 2:25am yesterday. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam inaugurated the service at the airport.

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Biman first launched the Dhaka-Narita route in 1980 but suspended the service around 2006, citing low passenger numbers and persistent losses. The national flag carrier restarted the route in 2023.

However, the interim government headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus suspended the service again on July 1, 2025.

Bangladeshis living in Japan later called for the route to be restored. After the BNP formed the government following the 13th parliamentary election, steps were taken to restart the service.

At the inauguration ceremony, Afroza said the route would not be suspended again. “We hope the service will be profitable this time. Bookings for the return flight and subsequent flights have already been completed, along with the inaugural flight,” she said.

She said the resumption had generated widespread enthusiasm among Bangladeshis living in Japan.

“The Dhaka-Narita flight is the result of our collective efforts. I am extremely happy that we have been able to implement the prime minister’s directive,” she said.

The minister hoped the direct service would further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan and open new areas of economic cooperation.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the route was restored to meet the needs of around 45,000 Bangladeshi students, workers and other migrants living in Japan.

He said the government plans to add Airbus aircraft to Biman’s fleet, alongside its Boeing planes, to expand capacity, meet future demand and ensure the route remains operational.

“Despite having a shortage of aircraft, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman launched the Dhaka-Narita route in 1980 to strengthen Bangladesh-Japan relations,” he said. “Today, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive, we have reopened the service for passengers.”