The long-awaited direct flight service between Manchester and Sylhet resumed on Sunday.

The move would strengthen connectivity with Bangladeshi expatriates, particularly the large Sylheti community in the United Kingdom, said officials.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam welcomed passengers arriving on the inaugural resumed flight from Manchester at Osmani International Airport.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir was present there.

The Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister said the direct service had resumed following the initiative and directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, fulfilling a long-standing demand of UK-based Bangladeshis, especially Sylheti expatriates.

The government is committed to ensuring the route operates regularly and sustainably by improving passenger services, keeping airfares at a reasonable level and expanding facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis, who are major contributors to the country's remittance inflows, she said.

The ongoing expansion of Osmani International Airport would significantly enhance its capacity to handle international flights, she added.

When speaking the Commerce Minister said initiatives had also been taken to resume flights on the Sylhet-Cox's Bazar route.

The government is implementing plans to develop Osmani International Airport into a fully functional international airport and a regional aviation hub, while working to attract more international airlines and expand air connectivity with neighbouring regions, he said.