Biman Bangladesh Airlines won the title of the country's first ATJFB Airlines Football Championship (AFC) 2026, defeating US-Bangla Airlines in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling final on Saturday, July 4.

The grand final, held at the Gulshan Youth Club ground in the capital, ended 1-1 in regulation time before proceeding to penalties. Biman Bangladesh Airlines held their nerve to secure a 2-0 victory in the shootout and lift the championship trophy.

The two-day tournament was organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), an organisation of journalists covering the aviation and tourism sectors. Featuring 16 domestic and international airlines, the competition was the country's first inter-airline football tournament.

In the day's first semi-final, US-Bangla Airlines became the first team to reach the final by defeating Air India 3-2 in a penalty shootout after their match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

In the other semi-final, Biman Bangladesh Airlines produced a dominant display to beat Qatar Airways 4-0 and book their place in the final. Jahangir Alam emerged as the hero of the match by scoring a hat-trick and was named Player of the Match.

Air India later secured third place by defeating Qatar Airways 1-0 in the third-place playoff.

In the much-anticipated grand final, both Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines played attacking football from the outset. The teams were evenly matched and remained level at 1-1 after regulation time, sending the title decider to penalties. Biman showed greater composure under pressure, winning the shootout 2-0 to claim the championship. Biman's players, officials and supporters erupted in celebration after the final whistle.

Jahangir Alam of Biman Bangladesh Airlines was named the Tournament's Best Player (Man of the Tournament).

The prize-giving ceremony was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam as the chief guest. Congratulating the champions, she said that Biman Bangladesh Airlines must maintain its leading position in the country not only in sports but also in passenger service and institutional capacity. She called on all stakeholders to work together to establish the national carrier as a world-class airline.

The ceremony was presided over by ATJFB President Tanzim Anwar and attended by Lutfullahil Majed, Member of Parliament for Mymensingh-8 constituency, as the special guest. ATJFB General Secretary Baten Biplob was also present. Representatives of title sponsor Envoy-Sheltech Aviation, powered-by partner VIP Motors and other sponsor organisations also attended the event.

Tournament Director and ATJFB Organising Secretary Md Adnan Rahman said the main objective of the tournament was to strengthen friendship, mutual cooperation and networking among organisations in the aviation sector. He said all participating teams displayed positive and competitive attitudes, which was the biggest success of the event.

He also announced plans to organise a cricket tournament involving the aviation sector in October-November. He noted that three airlines could not participate in this year's football tournament due to various limitations, but efforts would be made to include them in the upcoming cricket competition.

Mutual Trust Bank, Firsttrip, Work Station and Pleiadis Bangladesh Limited (PBL) supported the tournament as co-sponsors.

Dhaka Airlines Club served as the strategic partner. Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan was the hospitality partner, Aviation Express was the media partner, Waadaa Insure was the injury insurance partner, Travelport was the hydration partner, Famous Specialized Hospital was the healthcare partner, and Famous Creation supported the event as the event support partner.

The tournament was inaugurated on Friday, July 3 at the Gulshan Youth Club ground by State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque. Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh Paulo Fernando Dias Feres and Argentine Ambassador Marcelo Carlos Cesa attended the opening ceremony as special guests.

The six-a-side tournament featured a total of 16 domestic and international airlines: Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, NOVOAIR, Air Astra, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Silk Way West Airlines and flydubai.