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Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its direct Dhaka–Narita service after a suspension of more than a year, with the government expressing hope that the route will strengthen investment, trade, education and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Japan.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday night, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, said the government is committed to ensuring the route remains operational.
“There is no question of suspending this route again,” she said, expressing optimism that the service would be commercially viable.
She added that seats on the inaugural flight, as well as return and subsequent flights, have already been booked, reflecting strong interest among the Bangladeshi community in Japan.
Addressing the meet-and-greet programme, the minister described the resumption of the Dhaka–Narita service as the result of a collective effort.
She said the direct flight would further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan while opening new avenues for economic cooperation and partnership.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, said the route was relaunched considering the needs of around 45,000 Bangladeshi students, workers and expatriates living in Japan.
He said Biman plans to expand its fleet by adding Airbus aircraft alongside Boeing jets to meet future demand and ensure the continuity of the service.
The state minister also recalled the contribution of late President Ziaur Rahman, noting that the Dhaka–Narita route was first introduced in 1980 despite a shortage of aircraft to strengthen Bangladesh–Japan relations.
He said the route has now been reinstated following the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Following the ceremony, the minister and state minister greeted passengers travelling to Japan and formally inaugurated the service by cutting a ribbon.
The direct Dhaka–Narita route had been suspended on 1 July 2025 during the interim government’s tenure. Nearly a year later, the service has been restored.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG376 departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Narita at 2:25 am on 27 July.
