Biman resumes direct flights to Japan’s Narita after year-long pause

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has officially resumed its direct flight service between Dhaka and Narita, Japan, after the route was suspended for over a year.

The national flag carrier’s flight BG 376 departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Japan at 2:25 AM on July 27 following an inauguration ceremony. Direct flights on the route had been suspended since July 1, 2025, during the tenure of the country’s interim government.

The Bangladeshi government expressed expectations that restarting the direct link will strengthen bilateral trade, investment, education, and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Japan, opening new avenues for economic cooperation.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the airport on Monday night, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, MP, stated that the route will remain operational permanently. She noted that bookings for the inaugural flight, return flights, and upcoming departures were fully booked, generating strong enthusiasm among the expatriate Bangladeshi community in Japan.

“Today’s Dhaka-Narita flight is the result of everyone’s collective efforts. I feel extremely delighted to be able to implement the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s instructions,” Afroza Khanam said at a meet-and-greet event prior to departure.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, highlighted that the service caters to approximately 45,000 Bangladeshi expatriates, students, and workers residing in Japan. To support long-term operational continuity and demand, he stated that Airbus aircraft will be integrated into Biman’s fleet alongside its existing Boeing aircraft.

“In 1980, despite a shortage of aircraft, President Ziaur Rahman launched the Dhaka-Narita flight to strengthen Bangladesh-Japan relations. Today, under the direction of Hon’ble Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we have reopened this flight for the general passengers,” Rashiduzzaman Millat said.

Following official remarks, ministers cut a ceremonial ribbon and greeted Japan-bound passengers prior to the flight’s departure.

The details were released in an official statement by Tariqul Islam, Information and Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.