Biman Set to Restore Dhaka–Narita Flights from July 27

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume its Dhaka–Narita service on July 27, restoring a direct air link between Bangladesh and Japan after a year-long suspension.

The announcement was made on Monday by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at the Secretariat. The national carrier had initially planned to relaunch the route by June 30, but the timeline was delayed due to regulatory requirements imposed by Japanese aviation authorities.

According to Biman officials, the route was suspended on July 1, 2025, by the previous government, which cited concerns over commercial viability, aircraft shortages and rising operational costs. However, the current government has prioritized restoring the service, viewing it as an important step toward strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic, educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Japan.

Before flights could resume, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) required a comprehensive safety audit of the airline. The audit process, which was expected to take around 45 days, led Biman to postpone the relaunch date until July 27.

Initially, the airline will operate one weekly flight using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Biman officials said flight frequencies could be increased gradually depending on passenger demand, commercial performance and aircraft availability.

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

The airline expressed optimism about the route’s prospects, citing growing demand from Bangladeshis living and working in Japan. More than 40,000 Bangladeshi students, professionals and workers currently reside in the country, with the number expected to increase in the coming years.

Biman believes the restored route will improve connectivity for business travelers, students and expatriates while supporting trade and investment between the two countries. The airline also noted that the announcement has already generated considerable interest among members of the Bangladeshi community in Japan.

The Dhaka–Narita route was first launched in September 2023 and operated for less than two years before being suspended. Its return marks a renewed effort by both the government and the national carrier to strengthen air connectivity with one of Bangladesh’s key economic partners in East Asia.