Biman Bangladesh Airlines is preparing to relaunch its direct Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka service on July 27, marking the return of Bangladesh's only non-stop air link with Japan after more than a year's suspension.

But for the national flag carrier, the revival is about far more than reconnecting Dhaka and Tokyo. Airline officials say Narita is expected to become Biman's primary gateway to North America and Northeast Asia through proposed codeshare partnerships with Japan Airlines (JAL) and Air Canada.

If finalised, the agreements would allow passengers travelling on Biman flights to Narita to continue seamlessly to destinations including Vancouver, Los Angeles, Seoul and several Australian cities using a single ticket, boarding pass and baggage check-through.

The strategy reflects Biman's broader ambition to strengthen its long-haul network without immediately launching its own ultra-long-haul operations.

"Biman has taken all preparations to resume the Narita flight," State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Rashiduzzaman Millat told Aviation Express.  

He said the route serves a rapidly growing Bangladeshi community in Japan, now exceeding 40,000 students and workers, while also supporting expanding trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

"The resumption of direct flights has generated huge enthusiasm among Bangladeshis living in Japan as well as the Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka," he said.

Commercial confidence returns

Responding to questions regarding the route's commercial viability, the state minister said the Narita service had already demonstrated its commercial potential before it was suspended.

"It initially incurred losses, then reached the break-even point and became profitable within three to four months. It was suspended for political reasons," he said.

"It is surprising that the previous government did not continue a profitable route. We are now focusing on ensuring commercial sustainability through proper planning," he added.

Biman Director (Marketing and Sales) Ashraful Alam said passenger demand has already exceeded expectations.

"We are getting a very good response. All seats have already been sold, especially on the return flight from Narita to Dhaka," he said.

The airline will initially operate one weekly flight using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with additional frequencies expected as demand and aircraft availability increase.

Narita as a strategic hub

The planned codeshare arrangements are expected to become the next phase of Biman's international expansion strategy.

Rather than operating its own aircraft to North America immediately, the airline intends to leverage Narita's extensive global connectivity by partnering with established international carriers.

Under the proposed agreements, passengers from Bangladesh would be able to travel beyond Japan on JAL and Air Canada flights without separate bookings or baggage re-checks.

Industry observers believe such connectivity would significantly enhance the commercial viability of the Narita route while improving travel convenience for Bangladeshi expatriates, business travellers and students heading to North America and other destinations.

The strategy could also position Narita as one of Biman's most important international transit gateways.

Delay driven by safety approval

The relaunch had originally been planned for June 30 but was postponed after the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) requested a comprehensive safety audit before granting operational approval.

Biman suspended the route on July 1, 2025, citing aircraft shortages, operational costs and commercial considerations.

Following the formation of the current government, however, the airline was instructed to restore the service as part of efforts to deepen Bangladesh-Japan economic, trade and aviation cooperation.

Japan continues to emerge as one of Bangladesh's fastest-growing strategic partners, with increasing demand from students, skilled workers, development professionals and businesses.

Growing market potential

The long-term prospects of the route have also attracted attention from Japan's aviation industry.

During a meeting with Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali last year, JAL Vice-President Abe Motohisa noted that around 70,000 passengers currently travel annually between Tokyo and Dhaka using connecting services, indicating strong demand for direct air connectivity.

Originally launched in September 2023 after a 17-year absence, the Narita route has increasingly been viewed as strategically important for both Bangladesh's aviation sector and broader bilateral relations with Japan.

With strong initial bookings, government backing and planned global airline partnerships, Biman's return to Narita is shaping up as more than the revival of a suspended route. It represents a key step in the airline's ambition to expand its international footprint and position Japan as a gateway connecting Bangladesh with North America and the wider Asia-Pacific region.