Biman urged to increase Dhaka–Tokyo flights as expat demand soars

Bangladeshi expatriates in Japan have called on Biman Bangladesh Airlines to increase the frequency of its direct Dhaka–Tokyo flights, citing a sharp rise in passenger demand since the route was reinstated. The request was made during an exchange meeting between airline officials and community members held at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo on July 28, according to a press release from the embassy.
The meeting was chaired by Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali and attended by Biman Deputy Managing Director Syed Moin Uddin Ahmed, the airline’s Country Manager for Japan, and prominent members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

In his address, Ambassador Daud Ali emphasised that Biman serves as a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Japan, while also ensuring convenient and affordable travel for the nearly 30,000-strong Bangladeshi community in Japan. He expressed appreciation for expatriates who had persistently advocated across various forums for the resumption of the direct route, which was suspended for several years before being restored.

The expatriates warmly thanked the government for reinstating the direct air link, describing it as a long-awaited step that has significantly reduced travel time and costs. However, they noted that the current flight schedule, reportedly once or twice weekly is insufficient to meet growing demand, especially during peak seasons, business travel, and family visits. They urged the national flag carrier to introduce additional weekly frequencies to ease booking pressures and lower fares through increased competition.

Responding to the appeal, Biman DMD Syed Moin Uddin Ahmed assured the community that the government and the airline’s Board of Directors are actively considering a range of initiatives to expand flight frequencies on profitable international routes, including Tokyo. He said Biman is also working to further improve in-flight services, on-time performance, and overall passenger experience to maintain international standards as part of its broader network expansion strategy.

The meeting, attended by distinguished diaspora members, underscored the growing economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Japan remains a key destination for Bangladeshi professionals, students, and workers, and enhanced air connectivity is seen as mutually beneficial. Ambassador Daud Ali reiterated that the embassy would continue to facilitate such dialogues to address community concerns.
Biman resumed Dhaka–Tokyo flights earlier this year after a gap of over a decade, operating via a convenient routing. Aviation analysts suggest that increasing frequency could also boost tourism and trade, particularly in IT and garment exports. No specific timeline for the frequency hike was announced, but officials indicated that a feasibility study is underway.