Desk Report:
In light of the growing commercial, economic and public relations between Japan and Bangladesh, the government has planned to resume Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights on the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route from July 27. The Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism gave this information at a press conference held at the conference room of the Information Department in the capital on Monday (June 15, 2026).
The minister said that flight operations on the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route were suspended from July 1, 2025. At that time, this decision was taken considering commercial viability, aviation crisis and best use of existing resources. However, after assuming office, the current government has taken initiatives to resume the route with a view to further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan and increasing commercial and public-to-public contacts.
He said that after the government’s directive, Biman Bangladesh Airlines was asked to prepare for the launch of flights on the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route by June 30. However, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has said that it will take about 45 days to complete the necessary safety audit. For this reason, work is underway considering July 27 as a possible date after completing all the related processes.
It was informed at the press conference that initially one flight will be operated a week. The flight will be operated with the wide-body Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft in the Biman Bangladesh Airlines fleet, so that the ticket price for passengers can be kept at a reasonable level. Later, the number of flights will be gradually increased considering the addition of new aircraft to the Biman fleet and commercial potential.
The minister also said that there is a plan to start ticket sales activities for the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route from June 20. Tickets will be made available for sale on all types of distribution channels including the airline’s website.
He said that it takes time to make a new or reopened route commercially profitable in international aviation. Building a position in the market, gaining passenger confidence and increasing demand happens step by step. However, it is expected that the potential of the Dhaka-Narita route will be further strengthened through effective marketing strategies, increasing passenger numbers and smooth operation.
The minister said that there is ample potential for operating flights on this route due to the increasing number of Bangladeshi workers and students in Japan, growing economic and commercial relations between the two countries and initiatives to improve connectivity at the government level. It will be possible to make the route profitable and sustainable in the long term through proper planning and marketing activities.
He expressed hope that the reopening of the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route will further strengthen economic, commercial and people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and Japan. Besides, it will play an important role in deepening the friendly relations between the two countries. The government’s goal is not just to reopen a route, but to increase Bangladesh’s connectivity in international airspace, create new economic opportunities and strengthen the country’s position in the global arena.
