Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume direct Dhaka-Narita flights on July 27, marking the return of Bangladesh's only non-stop air link with Japan after more than a year of suspension. The national flag carrier has completed all preparations to restore the route, which officials say will serve as a strategic gateway to North America through a proposed codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) and Air Canada.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Rashiduzzaman Millat announced that over 40,000 Bangladeshis, including students and workers, are currently living in Japan, a number that continues to grow. The resumption of direct flights has generated significant enthusiasm among the Bangladeshi community in Japan and the Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka.
The route was initially suspended on July 1, 2025, due to aircraft shortages, operational costs, and commercial considerations. However, following the formation of the current government, Biman was instructed to restore the service to strengthen Bangladesh-Japan economic, trade, and people-to-people relations. The airline will initially operate one weekly flight with its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with plans to increase frequency based on demand and aircraft availability.
Biman Director (Marketing and Sales) Ashraful Alam reported a highly encouraging passenger response, with all seats already sold, particularly on the return flight from Narita to Dhaka. The relaunch, originally planned for June 30, was delayed after the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) requested a comprehensive safety audit before granting final operational approval.
The revived route is expected to play a crucial role in expanding Biman's international network. The airline is working on a codeshare partnership with JAL and Air Canada, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly from Dhaka to Vancouver and Los Angeles via Narita using a single ticket, boarding pass, and baggage check-through. This arrangement is anticipated to significantly strengthen the Narita route by attracting passengers traveling to Canada's west coast and the western United States, where large Bangladeshi expatriate communities reside.
