Dhaka-Narita Biman flights to resume on 27 July

The government expects Biman Bangladesh Airlines to resume direct flights between Dhaka and Tokyo's Narita International Airport by 27 July, following a delay caused by mandatory safety audits by Japanese aviation authorities.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the Department of Information auditorium at the Secretariat on Monday. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the previously announced target of resuming the service by 30 June could not be met because of additional regulatory requirements imposed by Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau.

She said the Dhaka-Narita route was suspended on 1 July 2025, but the government had decided to restore the service as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Japan and boost trade, economic cooperation and people-to-people ties.

According to the minister, Japanese authorities require around 45 days to complete mandatory safety inspections and operational procedures before granting final approval for the route.

"Although it is not possible to launch the service by 30 June, we are hopeful that flights will begin by 27 July," she said.

The minister said demand for direct international connectivity continues to grow among expatriates and travellers, adding that the government is working to make air travel more comfortable and convenient.

"We want returning Bangladeshis to feel a sense of comfort and pride when they arrive home," she said.

Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat apologised for the delay, saying the government considered it important to explain the reasons publicly in line with its commitment to transparency and accountability.

He said Biman had completed its preparations for the route, but the final timeline depended on the Japanese regulator's audit process.

"We were ready to begin operations by 30 June. However, the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau requires additional time to complete safety audits, which is why the launch date has been moved to 27 July," he said.

Millat also announced that ticket sales for the Narita route are expected to begin on 20 June through Biman's website and authorised sales channels.

Initially, Biman plans to operate one weekly flight on the route, with the possibility of increasing the frequency to two or three flights a week as demand grows and the airline expands its fleet.

Officials said the route is expected to serve Bangladesh's growing community in Japan, including more than 40,000 students and workers, while also supporting tourism, business travel and bilateral economic relations.

The government believes the restoration of direct flights will strengthen connectivity between the two countries and contribute to the long-term growth of Bangladesh's aviation sector.