No question of suspending Dhaka-Narita route ever again: MoCAT Minister

Dhaka: The government has pledged that Biman Bangladesh Airlines' newly relaunched Dhaka-Narita direct service will remain operational, with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam saying there is "no question" of suspending the route again in the future.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the resumed service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on early July 27, the minister said the government expects the route to become commercially viable, noting that bookings have already been completed for the inaugural flight as well as the return and subsequent services.

"There is no question of closing this route again in the future. We hope the service will be profitable this time, and the strong booking response has generated great enthusiasm among Bangladeshis living in Japan," she said.

The Dhaka-Narita direct flight resumed operations after remaining suspended for more than a year. The government expects the route to strengthen investment, trade, education and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Japan.

At the meet-and-greet event before the inaugural departure, the minister said the resumption of the service was the result of a collective effort and expressed satisfaction at implementing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directive.

She said the direct connection would further deepen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan while opening new avenues for economic cooperation.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the service had been relaunched considering the needs of nearly 45,000 Bangladeshi students, workers and expatriates living in Japan.

He said the government plans to expand Biman's fleet with Airbus aircraft alongside Boeing jets to ensure the route remains operational in line with future passenger demand.

Recalling the contribution of former President Ziaur Rahman, the state minister said the Dhaka-Narita service was first launched in 1980 despite aircraft shortages to strengthen Bangladesh-Japan relations.

Following the ceremony, the minister and state minister exchanged greetings with passengers and formally inaugurated the flight by cutting a ribbon.

The direct Dhaka-Narita route was suspended on July 1, 2025 during the interim government's tenure. After more than a year, the service resumed with Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG376, which departed for Japan at 2:25 am on July 27 night.