United News of Bangladesh

Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ abrupt suspension of its Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka flights has drawn widespread criticism with aviation experts and expatriates questioning the logic behind shutting down the route despite its long-term potential and existing demand. The decision, effective July 1, has sparked frustration among passengers and members of the Bangladeshi community in Japan and many of whom described it as "illogical" and "short-sighted." Aviation experts said the move undermines Biman’s strategic interests and damages Bangladesh’s aviation image abroad. They believe the national carrier should have worked to turn the route profitable or at least minimise losses instead of halting operations altogether. Speaking to UNB, several Bangladeshi expatriates in Japan expressed disappointment over the decision. “There was strong demand for the Dhaka-Narita flights. Closing the route under the pretext of losses defies logic,” said one frequent passenger. The suspension comes just as Bangladesh is poised to expand its footprint in Japan as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently announced that Japan has pledged to create at least 100,000 jobs for Bangladeshis over the next five years. "How does it make sense to cut this vital air link when such opportunities are emerging?" questioned an expatriate. Biman resumed direct flights to Narita in September 2023 after a 17-year gap, deploying its state-of-the-art Dreamliner 787 aircraft. The route was welcomed by expatriates and travellers for reducing travel time to eight hours and eliminating the need for lengthy transit stops. Passenger numbers reportedly started declining from August last year. Citing mounting financial losses, Biman's board decided in May to suspend the route from July 1. The move leaves Bangladesh without a direct air link to Japan, forcing passengers to rely on third-country transits, significantly increasing both travel time and expenses. Former Biman board member and aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam termed the decision "regrettable." “Shutting flights to a major destination like Japan — where we have trade, tourism, and a significant expatriate population — reflects poor planning,” he said. Dhaka-Narita Tokyo direct flights launched  He pointed out that leading global carriers often continue prestigious long-haul routes like New York or Narita despite short-term losses, keeping long-term strategic benefits in mind. “Biman’s approach is like cutting off the head to cure a headache. Once a route is launched, it must be sustained with a proper business plan,” he added. Echoing similar views, aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam criticised Biman’s reliance on government support. “US-Bangla is expanding its fleet, but Biman is waiting for the government to buy aircraft for them. If Biman only focuses on labour passengers and ignores premium travellers, profitability will remain elusive,” he said. He warned that abruptly starting and stopping international routes tarnishes Bangladesh’s reputation and affects bilateral ties. When contacted, Biman Managing Director and CEO Shafiqur Rahman defended the decision, citing unsustainable financial losses. “Each Narita flight was incurring losses of nearly Tk 95 lakh. The board carefully reviewed all options before suspending operations from July 1,” he told UNB. According to Biman data, between September 2023 and March 2024, the airline operated 225 flights on the Dhaka-Narita route, transporting 84,674 passengers and 2,365 tonnes of cargo. The average cabin occupancy stood at 69 percent, with overall losses amounting to Tk 215.58 crore. The airline also cited aircraft and crew shortages as additional factors behind the suspension. Despite the setback aviation stakeholders and expatriates are urging the government and Biman to explore viable solutions to restore this crucial air link which holds immense economic and strategic value for Bangladesh.

Flight operations to and from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Barishal airports have been suspended due to the inclement weather. The flight operations to and from the airports were suspended at 3 pm today and will remain shut till 12 pm on Tuesday, Mohammad Sohel Quamruzzaman, public relatiosn officer of Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority told UNB. The decision has been taken due to the impact of the cyclonic storm ‘Sitrang’ as it may make a landfall in the southern coast of the country by early Tuesday. The decision to resume the flight operations will be taken after observing the overall situation, he said. Read: Cyclone Sitrang: Nothing much to worry, says State Minister Enamur

The ongoing suspension of domestic flights and charter flights of helicopter/general aviation passenger flights has been extended until April 28. The restriction came after the government decided to extend the strict lockdown to contain the rapid spike of Covid-19 infections and deaths. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) issued a circular in this regard on Monday. The order will come into effect from April 21. Read US-Bangla to operate international flights on four routes from Saturday All other conditions of the circular under reference will remain unchanged, the circular said. Flight operations on domestic routes were suspended after the government enforced a lockdown in the first week of April. Covid-19 situation update Bangladesh again broke all previous records of Covid-19 deaths registering 112 fatalities in a 24-hour period until Monday morning. Also read: US-Bangla to operate international flights on four routes from SaturdayThe country saw over 100 deaths for the fourth consecutive day. The latest fatalities pushed up the death tally to 10,497 with a mortality rate of 1.45 percent, according to a handout from the Directorate General of Health Services.Besides, 4,271 new cases were reported during the period. The infection rate was 17.68 percent, down from 19.06 percent on Sunday. Also read: Over 200 protest flight cancellation at Dhaka airport

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has cancelled all of its flights to Oman, for one week, from Tuesday following a travel ban issued by the country.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all its flights to Saudi Arabia for one week from Monday as the Saudi government has suspended all international flights over the spread of a  new variant of the coronavirus.

Sitting by a boarding gate at Noi Bai International Airport in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi on Saturday afternoon, Chi Yanni was waiting for a plane that could finally bring her and her son back home.