United News of Bangladesh

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is struggling with frequent technical glitches, schedule disruptions and mismanagement, raising serious concerns over the national carrier’s service reliability. While foreign passengers remain hesitant to fly with Biman, an increasing number of Bangladeshis are also losing confidence in the national carrier. “I try to visit Bangladesh, my motherland, every year. But I rarely fly with Biman for several reasons beyond technical issues. The attitude of staff matters, too,” said Humayun Kabir, a Bangladeshi-born British citizen. Kabir also mentioned the behaviour of airport staff in Bangladesh is often unpleasant. “They don’t know how to receive their expatriate brothers. Sometimes it really hurts,” he said. Sharing similar frustrations about domestic operations, M Farhad Ullah, a businessman from Chattogram, said, “I’m less worried about in-flight services, but flight safety is really worrying! Biman must improve its service quality if it wants to revive its image.” Amid these concerns, aviation experts have stressed the urgent need for management reforms and the development of skilled pilots, engineers, and cabin crew before acquiring or leasing additional aircraft. They warned that without addressing internal inefficiencies, the airline risks deepening its operational crisis. “Operating aircraft on an ad hoc basis or through bureaucracy will not work. Flights must be managed by permanent, skilled and commercially trained professionals,” one expert said. Panel formed to investigate recent technical glitches in Biman flights Experts also advised prioritising smaller, regional aircraft, citing significantly lower maintenance costs compared to wide-body planes. The warnings come amid an increasing number of mechanical faults plaguing Biman’s fleet. Official sources said while some aircraft have been repaired and returned to service, others remain grounded, leading to frequent schedule disruptions and cancellations. In the last month alone, at least nine aircraft on domestic and international routes have experienced various technical faults, according to media reports. Though major accidents were avoided, the incidents have raised questions about Biman’s maintenance standards and passenger services. To ease passenger suffering, the airline is finalising the lease of two aircraft, with a fresh procurement plan also under way. Separately, the Bangladesh government has decided to purchase 25 aircraft from US manufacturer Boeing as part of a broader diplomatic initiative to reduce trade imbalance with the United States and ease tariffs. Frequent technical glitches in Biman flights spark passenger safety concerns The purchase will be implemented in phases, though no formal agreement has yet been signed, airline officials confirmed. Speaking to UNB, Kazi Wahidul Alam, former Biman board member and aviation analyst, underscored the need for restructuring management before expanding the fleet. He said although aircraft shortages are a concern, the core issue lies in the lack of aviation expertise. “We must first stabilise the organisation. Then we can focus on expansion,” he said. Wahidul Alam emphasised developing skilled aviation professionals within the country, noting that hiring pilots, engineers, or cabin crew from abroad would cost about $10,000 per person per month. He also cautioned against nepotism in recruitment, stressing that only qualified individuals should be appointed. According to him, Bangladesh’s aviation needs should shape future purchases. He said, “Our long-haul routes are limited to only four or five countries, while short-haul routes dominate. Smaller regional aircraft are more suitable and less costly to maintain. For the price of eight wide-body jets, we could acquire twelve smaller ones. Among them, the Boeing 737 is a good option, while the 777 or 787 could serve larger routes.” Biman's Bangkok flight returns to Dhaka amid mid-air technical fault He added that many of Biman’s ageing aircraft are contributing to recurring mechanical issues and urged stricter oversight and regular quality control. Currently, Biman operates a fleet of 19 aircraft, including 14 Boeing jets from the United States and five Dash-8 Q400s from Canada. The Boeing fleet comprises four 737-800s, four 777-300ERs, four 787-8 Dreamliners, and two 787-9 Dreamliners.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has formed a four-member high-profile body to investigate the recent technical faults in the flights of the national carrier from July 1 to August 13. The committee will examine maintenance records and operational processes for each flight to identify root causes and determine if any staff negligence contributed to the incidents, said a media release on Tuesday. The probe body was asked to submit a report within 10 working days with recommendations to halt the repetition of such incidents. Frequent technical glitches in Biman flights spark passenger safety concerns Taking the recent technical glitches seriously, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has initiated several immediate and long-term measures, prioritising passenger safety and service quality. Efforts to bring changes in Biman are underway as two officers have been transferred, one engineering officer has been moved as a disciplinary action and another in Chattogram has received a show-cause notice. To enhance its technical capability, the national flag-carrier has arranged additional tire stock at key outstations, including Jeddah, Dubai, Madinah, Dammam, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, ensuring rapid replacement in emergencies. Besides, procurement orders for required tires have been issued. An investigation has been initiated into a tire burst incident in Jeddah and supervision under the Director of Flight Operations and Chief Engineers has been strengthened. On August 18, a night-time special maintenance shift was activated to support continuous oversight. The airline is also reviewing its inventory management system, coordinating with Boeing to reassess the Component Services Program (CSP) and updating the Recommended Spare Parts List (RSPL). Tailored Part Package (TPP) arrangements are under evaluation based on actual operational data and recurrent training for engineers has begun, and recruitment of apprentice mechanics is underway to strengthen technical personnel and long-term capacity. The airlines emphasised that all steps are being taken to ensure technical reliability, uphold maximum safety standards, and maintain passenger confidence.  

Online booking systems have turned once-complicated air flight arrangements into seamless digital experiences. All Bangladeshi airlines now operate official websites for ticketing convenience. A major leap forward has been the rise of flight search engines that integrate nearly all airlines under one virtual platform. Let’s explore some renowned international flight booking sites leading the country’s air travel revolution. Some Popular Sites for Booking International Air Flights from Bangladesh Here are some renowned websites where people can book air flights depending on their schedule, requirements, and budget plans.  Biman Bangladesh Airlines Link: https://www.biman-airlines.com/ The state-owned airline introduced its online seat booking system in 2010. Through its official website, passengers can effortlessly complete the entire ticketing process from home. This includes selecting the destination, date, and class and providing detailed traveller information such as email address and mobile number. Payment can be made through digital banking or any preferred mobile payment platform. Upon successful payment, an e-ticket is sent directly to the passenger's email. For added convenience, Biman Bangladesh Airlines also offers a mobile application, Biman App, available for any smartphone users. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BimanAirlines.Biman&hl=en&gl=US Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/biman/id6444130555 Read more: Online Ticket Booking in Bangladesh: Websites for Buying Train, Bus, Launch, Air Tickets Shohoz Link: https://www.shohoz.com/ A reliable platform for e-tickets across international and domestic transport, Shohoz has built a strong presence. Since its inception in 2014, it has brought buses, trains, launches, and flights under a single digital platform. On the Shohoz website, users can specify departure date, destinations, and travel dates separately for each transport mode. After completing payment via mobile wallet or bank card, users receive a link to download their ticket, either via email or SMS. The entire process is mobile-friendly, allowing seamless booking directly from a smartphone. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shohoz.rides Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shohoz-app/id1354321445?ls=1 ShareTrip Link: https://sharetrip.net/ What began as a small Facebook page named Travel Booking BD in 2013, with a focus on selling plane tickets, evolved into ShareTrip the following year. ShareTrip became the country’s first platform to offer online ticketing for both domestic and international flights through a unified system. In addition to its website, ShareTrip provides dedicated apps for Android and iPhone users. All platforms feature real-time fare listings for available flights. Customers typically receive their e-ticket via email within one to two days after completing payment. It depends on the working day, weekend, or public holidays.  Booking requires account registration, and the account can later be used to manage cancellations or rescheduling requests. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sharetrip&hl=en  IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sharetrip-flight-shop-voucher/id1469335892 GoZayaan Link: https://gozayaan.com/ Among Bangladesh’s foremost online travel agencies (OTAs), GoZayaan has been facilitating domestic and international air ticketing since 2017. Beyond e-ticketing, the platform also offers services related to hotel bookings, tour packages, and visa assistance. To place a booking, users must first create an account, which grants access to flight updates and ticket management. The website features both flight search and fare comparison tools across multiple airlines. With support for nearly all major mobile wallets and banking systems, the platform is easily accessible to a wide range of users. In addition, dedicated mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android users. IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gozayaan/id1635126688 Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gozayaan.app&hl=en Read more: Air ticket syndicate back in Bangladesh as fares rise defying govt order Wego Link: https://www.wego.com.bd/ Founded in 2005, Wego is a dynamic multinational travel platform representing over 30 nationalities. Along with domestic routes, the company offers international flights with great deals on preferred airlines. A standout feature is Wego’s direct airline comparison tool, which lets users evaluate multiple carriers in real time. In addition, the platform integrates Airalo, its exclusive eSIM service, for effortless mobile connectivity abroad, as well as e-visa solutions for select destinations. Beyond flights, Wego is a proud partner of Airbnb. They operate ShopCash, a rewards platform for shoppers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With the advantage of multiple payment methods, customers conveniently afford this world-class service.  Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wego.android&hl=en IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/wego-flights-hotels-booking/id751096907 US-Bangla Airlines Link: https://usbair.com/ With its inaugural flight launched on the Dhaka-Jashore route, US-Bangla Airlines began operations on July 17, 2014. It has since expanded its reach to major cities across Asia and the Middle East. The airline offers its frequent flyers the Sky Star Program, allowing passengers to accumulate Sky Star Miles. These can later be redeemed for flight tickets or other exclusive rewards. The website is known for its visually engaging interface and clear navigation. The platform also supports a wide range of payment options, making the entire booking experience accessible. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stsbd.fahim.usbangla&hl=bn&gl=US iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/us-bangla-airlines/id1519327703 Amy Link: https://www.amybd.com/ Since its establishment in 2015, Amy has earned a reputation as a trusted all-in-one travel platform. They streamline everything from flight bookings to hotel reservations and Umrah packages. Amy’s real-time booking system ensures instant confirmation via SMS and email, giving travelers peace of mind. With its advanced flight search, schedule updates, and price comparison features, users stay fully informed at every stage. The platform accepts a wide range of local and international banking cards and supports the most popular mobile financial services. They also offer a suite of smart tools, including the Amy Flight Tracker, live airport flight screens, and Amy Chat. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amybd.amy IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amy-bd/id1482481770 Read more: Why Are We Asked to Put Our Phones on Airplane Mode During Flights? Buy Tickets Link: https://buytickets.com.bd/ On August 19, 2018, Buy Tickets, an initiative of Airspan Ltd., began its domestic and international air ticketing operations. Today, it holds a notable position in Bangladesh’s growing travel sector. Like other leading OTAs, Buy Tickets offers a user-friendly interface for effortless flight booking. Customers receive their e-tickets via SMS or email after completing payment. The platform currently supports Android users through its dedicated mobile app. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buytickets.bd&hl=en Firsttrip Link: https://firsttrip.com/ As an initiative of US-Bangla Airlines, Firsttrip has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s leading OTAs. It fuses travel and technology to streamline flight bookings and adapt to evolving traveller expectations. Functioning as a comprehensive flight search engine, it allows users to reserve tickets on the most prominent and trusted carriers. Each carrier covers both international and domestic routes. Their standout features are Open Flight Tracker, an intuitive interface, and flexible payment choices across mobile wallets and banking platforms. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firsttrip.user IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firsttrip/id6462388200 Final Words These popular international flight booking sites of Bangladesh reshape the experience of travelling abroad with ease, speed, and reliability. Biman Bangladesh and US-Bangla Airlines reflect the country’s aviation pride. Wego, Shohoz, ShareTrip, and Amy have emerged as trailblazers in the country’s flight search engine space. The latest OTAs, GoZayaan, Buy Tickets, and Firsttrip, blend modern travel tech with user-centric features. Altogether, these platforms reflect the evolving travel industry, where digital innovation meets global connectivity.

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.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has formed two investigation committees and outlined an action plan over the wheel detachment from a Dash-8 aircraft during take off from Cox’s Bazar on May 16. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight made a safe landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka despite losing one of its wheels shortly after take off from Cox’s Bazar. Following the incident, Biman initiated an internal review and formed two separate three-member committees, said a statement of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. One committee, led by the Chief of Flight Safety, will conduct a safety investigation, while another—under the Engineering and Material Management Directorate—will probe the technical cause, inspect maintenance records, and recommend preventive measures. Both committees have been asked to submit their reports within three working days. Biman flight lands safely in Dhaka after losing wheel mid-air According to Biman authorities, preliminary assessment suggested that the wheel detached due to a bearing failure.  The aircraft’s manufacturer, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, states in its maintenance manual that bearing failure can lead to wheel separation and the exact cause will be confirmed after the investigation, said the statement. Upon arrival in Dhaka, engineers confirmed the left-side wheel (No. 2) was missing and Biman’s engineering department immediately inspected all wheels on Dash-8 aircraft based in Dhaka. Besides, Biman contacted De Havilland Canada, which has agreed to send a specialised technical team by May 19, it added. Biman reschedules Toronto, London, Rome flights as Ind-Pak situation normalises Biman reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and aircraft maintenance, following a strict zero-tolerance policy, it said  

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has rescheduled its flights to Toronto, London, and Rome as the situation between Pakistan and India returned to normal. The revised schedules will come into effect from May 15, according to a press release from the Biman Bangladesh issued on Tuesday. The flight schedules are as follows: Dhaka–Toronto (BG 305/306), the departure time from Dhaka has been shifted from 3:00am to 3:45am. The departure time from Toronto remains unchanged. For Dhaka–London (BG 201/202), on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the flight will now depart from Dhaka at 7:40am instead of 7:00am. SCB to partner with Biman in the airline's first Regional Treasury Centre On Thursdays, the flight will depart at 8:50am instead of 8:10am. However, departures from London remain unchanged. Dhaka–Rome (BG 355/356), the flight will now depart from Dhaka at 11:30am instead of 10:45am. The departure time from Rome remains unchanged. Biman requested all passengers to report to the airline’s check-in counters in accordance with the new flight schedules.

In light of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced changes to the schedules of its flights to Toronto, London and Rome, as the airline is currently avoiding Pakistani airspace. In a press release issued on Friday (May 9), the national flag carrier said the revised schedules will remain effective from May 9 to May 31. As per the updated schedule, the Dhaka–Toronto flight BG305/306 will now depart from Dhaka at 3am instead of 3:45am, advancing the departure time by 45 minutes. However, the return flight from Toronto to Dhaka will remain unchanged. Similarly, the Dhaka–London flight BG201/202 will depart from Dhaka at 7pm instead of 7:40pm, 40 minutes earlier than the usual schedule. The return flight from London will operate at its regular time. SCB to partner with Biman in the airline's first Regional Treasury Centre For Thursdays only, the Dhaka–London flight will depart at 8pm instead of 8:50pm, advancing the schedule by 50 minutes. Meanwhile, the Dhaka–Rome flight BG355/356 will now depart from Dhaka at 10:45pm instead of 11:30pm. The return flight from Rome to Dhaka will operate as usual. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has urged all passengers to report to the check-in counters in accordance with the revised departure times.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived here in Thai capital on Thursday afternoon to join the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok at 12 pm (Thailand), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dr Yunus was received by Thai Minister in Attendance Jiraporn Sindhuprai, he said. Dr Yunus will hold a number of meetings with BIMSTEC leaders on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bangladesh sees this year's BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held on April 4, "very important" for the country as it will assume the chairmanship of the grouping for the next two years. Dr Yunus leaves for Bangkok to attend 6th BIMSTEC Summit Dhaka also thinks the summit will provide them with an opportunity to present a "just and inclusive" Bangladesh in South and Southeast Asia, officials said this week. Prior to this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, the Chief Adviser will deliver a keynote speech titled “BIMSTEC Young Generation Forum: Where the Future Meets” at the forum on Thursday. The theme of the 6th summit, which is being held three years after the 5th summit (Virtual, Colombo, 30 March 2022), is “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”. The summit, which aims at fostering collaboration among the member states to address the shared security and developmental challenges, will provide a new impetus to the efforts underway to realise the goal of a prosperous, resilient and open BIMSTEC, according to the BIMSTEC Secretariat. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said the summit will further "strengthen and deepen" the relationship between Bangladesh and other BIMSTEC member states and will play an important role in advancing regional peace and development. "It goes without saying that this 6th BIMSTEC Summit is a new step for the new Bangladesh in the regional arena through BIMSTEC," he said, hoping that the 6th BIMSTEC Summit will be successful. The foreign secretary participated in the 25th BIMSTEC senior officials’ meeting on April 2. There is a possibility of signing an agreement on ‘Maritime Transport cooperation’ between BIMSTEC member states at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, said the foreign secretary. Dr Yunus' remarks on Northeast India made with good intentions: High Representative  

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the country's flag carrier, has been facing prolonged financial losses on multiple routes, primarily due to inadequate feasibility studies and political interference in route selection. According to sources within Biman, the state-owned airline is experiencing financial losses on six routes: Narita, Manchester, Delhi, Kuwait City, Kolkata, and Guangzhou. The Narita route alone incurs an average monthly loss of Tk 20 crore. Among the loss-making routes, they said, the worst affected are the Narita (Japan) and Manchester (UK) flights. Biman authorities have said that a shortage of passengers has forced them to reduce the frequency of flights on these routes, with efforts underway to ensure profitability in the Middle East. Six Loss-Making Routes Identified Allegations suggest that the airline launched three weekly flights on the route without conducting a proper feasibility study. To curb losses, the frequency was reduced to two flights per week from October. Biman has also been sustaining losses on its Kolkata and Delhi routes. Following recent political shifts in Bangladesh, India has restricted visa issuance, causing a severe decline in passenger numbers. As a result, weekly flights on the Dhaka-Kolkata route have been cut from 14 to seven, while the Dhaka-Delhi route has seen a reduction from seven to three flights per week. A major factor contributing to Biman’s losses is operating flights with nearly half the seats unoccupied. The airline recently appointed a new Managing Director, Md Safiqul Rahman, in an attempt to mitigate financial setbacks. Profits in Ground Handling Services Despite losses on several routes, Biman has remained profitable through its ground handling operations. To enhance this segment, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport recently acquired some advanced pieces of equipment, including seven air-conditioning units, two air start units, and nine belt loaders. Losses on Narita and Manchester Routes Biman launched its Narita flights with great fanfare, establishing direct connectivity between Dhaka and Japan on 1 September 2023. But within the first eight months, the airline accumulated losses exceeding Tk 166 crore on this route. This decision has been criticised, as a similar service was discontinued in 2006 due to continued financial losses. Despite that history, the route was revived 17 years later, reportedly for political reasons, without a thorough commercial assessment. Biman a frain, loss-making organisation for years: Wahiduddin Mahmud The Manchester route is also unprofitable, with each Dhaka-Manchester-Dhaka flight averaging a loss of Tk 1.10 crore. To counter this, Biman reduced one flight per week from October and introduced a 30% fare discount to attract passengers. Temporary Suspension of Manchester Flights In a recent announcement, Biman stated that to ensure the smooth operation of Hajj flights and due to aircraft shortages, flights on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester route will be temporarily suspended from 1 May 2025 to 10 July 2025. Regular operations on this route are scheduled to resume on 11 July 2025. Efforts to Boost Middle Eastern Routes The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has reported that four Middle Eastern routes—Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, and Muscat—have turned profitable, partly due to additional baggage allowances for passengers. Other profitable routes include London, Toronto, Medina, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dubai, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Biman is also expanding its network, with new international destinations including Malé, Kunming, Sydney, Jakarta, Seoul, Wuhan, and Bahrain. Biman's capability in ground handling at ‘Third Terminal’ under scrutiny Efforts are also going on to relaunch flights to New York. To enhance profitability, the airline is focusing on increasing revenue per passenger, reducing operational costs, and improving adherence to flight schedules. Increased Demand for Toronto Route Due to rising passenger demand, Biman has increased its flights on the Dhaka-Toronto route. Since 31 October 2024, the airline has been operating three weekly flights—on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays—with the newly added Thursday flight catering to growing demand. Adjustments to European Routes According to Biman’s General Manager for Public Relations, Bosra Islam, flight frequency reductions on some routes are not solely due to low passenger numbers but also other operational factors. She added that once India resumes issuing visas at normal rates, demand for flights to Kolkata and Delhi is expected to recover, leading to potential flight increases. Meanwhile, Biman’s Director of Marketing and Sales, Ashraful Alam, has confirmed that, from 28 March 2025, an additional flight will be introduced on the London route, increasing the total to five per week. Similarly, the Rome route will see an increase from two to three weekly flights. Need for Strategic Partnerships and Skilled Workforce Aviation expert and former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam has emphasised the importance of forming inter-partner airline links to expand the airline’s network and increase passenger flow. He noted that Narita-bound passengers should have seamless connectivity to other international destinations, which would improve ticket sales and profitability. Alam stressed that merely opening new routes is not enough; targeted marketing and skilled personnel are required to attract more passengers. He highlighted that private airlines are outperforming Biman in many aspects due to superior ticketing and marketing strategies. “If other airlines are making profits on these routes, why can’t Biman?” he questioned, urging the airline to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness. Work underway to enhance Biman's GSE fleet with modern equipment Current Fleet and Operations Biman currently operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, serving 23 international destinations. While some routes continue to struggle, others show promise, with strategic expansions and operational improvements aimed at securing the airline’s long-term profitability.

A Dubai-bound Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight made an emergency landing at India’s Nagpur airport on Wednesday night due to a technical issue. The aircraft, BG-347, carrying 395 passengers and 12 crew members, landed safely at 10:45 pm (BST) following the glitch, Biman Bangladesh Airlines said in a media release on Thursday. Passengers were provided with necessary support, including accommodation, the release added. The national flag carrier had departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Dubai at 8:53 pm (BST) on Wednesday. Dense Fog in Dhaka: 6 international flights diverted to Sylhet, Kolkata  A replacement Boeing 777 aircraft was dispatched to Nagpur on Thursday morning, reaching at 12:39 (BST) pm, before departing for Dubai with the stranded passengers. Meanwhile, an Indian media outlet reported that this was the third instance of an unscheduled landing involving Biman.