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The long-awaited direct flight service between Manchester and Sylhet resumed on Sunday, restoring a key air link for Bangladeshi expatriates, particularly the large Sylheti community living in the United Kingdom.
Officials said the resumption of the direct route is expected to strengthen connectivity and facilitate travel for thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam welcomed passengers arriving on the inaugural resumed flight at Osmani International Airport.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir was also present.
Speaking at the airport, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister said the direct service had been restored following the initiative and directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, fulfilling a long-standing demand of UK-based Bangladeshis, especially members of the Sylheti diaspora.
She said the government is committed to ensuring the route operates regularly and sustainably by improving passenger services, maintaining affordable airfares and expanding facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis, who are among the country’s largest contributors to remittance inflows.
The minister added that the ongoing expansion of Osmani International Airport would significantly enhance its capacity to handle international flights.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said initiatives have also been taken to resume flights on the Sylhet-Cox’s Bazar route.
He added that the government is working to transform Osmani International Airport into a fully functional international gateway and regional aviation hub by expanding infrastructure, attracting more international airlines and strengthening air connectivity with neighbouring regions.
