Biman Bangladesh Airlines has failed to secure a spot on Skytrax's 2025 list of the world's top 100 airlines, despite receiving extensive government backing throughout its 54-year history. The national flag carrier ranks ninth within South Asia, according to the London-based global air transport rating agency.

The airline holds a three-star rating from Skytrax, based on factors including aircraft seating, amenities, food quality, inflight entertainment, cleanliness, and service standards. However, passengers have consistently raised concerns about ticket prices, flight cancellations, technical issues, and cabin cleanliness.

Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, including two Boeing 787-9s, four Boeing 787-8s, four Boeing 777-300ERs, four Boeing 737-800s, and five Dash-8 Q400s, serving 22 international and seven domestic routes. Recent months have seen several technical malfunctions, prompting public scrutiny.

A.B.M. Raushan Kabir, General Manager (Public Relations) of Biman, insisted that no aircraft are currently grounded. "Each recent incident is isolated. Our engineers are investigating, and a probe committee led by Biman's Chief of Technical Operations, Captain Tanvir Khurshid, has been formed," he said.

Bangladesh handles roughly 12 million air passengers annually, with growth exceeding 10% yearly. The International Air Transport Association projects this figure will reach 25 million within a decade. Yet aviation experts argue Biman has failed to capitalise on this expanding market.

Former Biman Board Member Kazi Wahidul Alam criticised the airline's management structure. "In 54 years, an airline should have reached the peak of its development. Biman's management is bureaucrat-dominated. Temporary officials come and go, leaving no continuity," he said.

Despite posting a profit of Tk 282 crore in 2023–24, up from Tk 28 crore the previous year, Biman carries approximately Tk 15,000 crore in debts and liabilities. The interim government's taskforce has recommended dissolving the airline if performance targets aren't met, potentially creating a new national carrier using half of Biman's existing assets and workforce.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines, from war-torn Ethiopia, ranked 38th globally, highlighting the growing gap between Biman and its international competitors.