Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Dhaka and Tokyo's Narita International Airport from July 27, restoring a strategic air link between Bangladesh and Japan after a suspension of more than one year.

Civil Aviation and Tourism ministry’s officials said the national flag carrier will initially operate one weekly flight on the route, with frequency to be increased gradually based on passenger demand and commercial performance.

Biman suspended the Dhaka-Narita service in May 2025, citing aircraft shortages, Hajj operational commitments and commercial considerations. The route had previously been relaunched in September 2023 after a 17-year absence.

The service is expected to benefit business travellers, students, tourists and the growing Bangladeshi community in Japan, while strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

In a significant development, Biman is also pursuing a codeshare arrangement with Japan Airlines (JAL), which could provide Bangladeshi passengers seamless access to destinations across North America, Australia, South Korea and other key markets through Tokyo.

Industry observers viewed the route's resumption as an important step in expanding Bangladesh's international connectivity and supporting the country's broader aviation growth ambitions.