DHAKA :  Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route from July 27 after completing regulatory requirements, restoring Bangladesh's only non-stop air link with Japan following a year-long suspension.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita announced the development at a press conference at the Department of Information today, saying the resumption of the route remains a priority of the government amid expanding economic, trade and people-to-people relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

The minister said Biman had initially planned to restart operations by June 30, but the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) sought nearly 45 days to complete a mandatory safety audit before granting approval.

"As a result, we are working to complete all related procedures and relaunching the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka service on July 27," she said.

Flight operations on the route were suspended from July 1, 2025, citing commercial viability concerns, aircraft shortages and the need for optimum utilisation of existing resources.

Rita said the current government, after assuming office, directed Biman Bangladesh Airlines to restore the route in order to further strengthen bilateral relations with Japan and enhance economic, commercial and social connectivity between the two countries.

Initially, Biman will operate one weekly flight using its Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner aircraft maintaining competitive fares. Ticket sales are expected to begin on June 20 through Biman's website and other authorised distribution channels.

The minister said the frequency of flights would be increased gradually depending on commercial performance and the addition of aircraft to the national carrier's fleet.

She noted that international routes generally require time to attain profitability as market positioning, passenger confidence and demand grow progressively.

"With effective marketing strategies, increasing passenger numbers and efficient management, the route's prospects will continue to strengthen," she said.

Highlighting the growing importance of the Japan market, the minister said increasing trade and investment, a rising number of Bangladeshi students and workers in Japan, and enhanced government-level connectivity initiatives had created substantial opportunities for the route.

"We believe the resumption of the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route will further strengthen economic, trade and people-to-people links between Bangladesh and Japan and deepen the friendly relations between the two countries," she added.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government regretted the delay in restarting the service but attributed it solely to procedural requirements linked to the Japanese safety audit.

He said the route was suspended at a time when it had begun showing signs of commercial improvement and expressed confidence that it would become profitable and sustainable through proper planning and network management.

Millat said more than 40,000 Bangladeshi students and workers currently reside in Japan and the number is expected to increase further, creating a strong passenger base for the route.

"The announcement of the route's return has generated significant enthusiasm among Bangladeshis living in Japan," he said.

The route had previously been relaunched by Biman in September 2023 after a 17-year absence.

The service remains Bangladesh's only direct air connection with Japan and is expected to play an important role in facilitating trade, investment, tourism and business travel between the two countries.

The minister said the government's objective extends beyond restoring a single route, aiming instead to enhance Bangladesh's global connectivity, create new economic opportunities and strengthen the country's position in international aviation.