National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed regular flights on the Dhaka–Narita–Dhaka route after a suspension of more than one year.

The inaugural flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Narita at 2:25 am with 143 passengers on board, said a media statement on Monday.

Narita International Airport serves as the main international gateway to Tokyo, Japan's capital.

The resumption of the route is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Bangladesh and Japan while contributing to the expansion of trade, investment, tourism, education, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam attended a greeting and view-exchange programme with passengers of the first flight. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as the special guest.

Officials said the reopening of the route will provide safe, reliable and convenient air travel for businessmen, students, tourists and expatriate Bangladeshis, while further enhancing economic cooperation and bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

Biman will operate the route using its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its advanced safety features, passenger comfort, modern technology and fuel efficiency.

The national carrier said it remains committed to providing safe, punctual and international-standard services while expanding its global network to improve Bangladesh's connectivity with the world.

The airline said that as the country's flag carrier, Biman represents the trust, service and pride of Bangladesh and its people, and continues working to ensure excellence in passenger services under its slogan "Akashe Shantir Neer".

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Foreign Employment Affairs (Asia Pacific Region) Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Executive Director Group Captain S M Ragib Samad, Acting Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and Deputy Managing Director and DCEO Syed Moin Uddin Ahmed, along with senior officials of the ministry, were present at the programme.