After four months of suspension, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its direct Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester service, restoring one of the national carrier's most important diaspora routes and bringing relief to thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates, particularly the Sylheti community living in northern England.

The first resumed flight, BG-208, arrived at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet at 12:04 pm on Sunday before continuing to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, where it landed at 1:30 pm.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation and Tourism Humaiun Kabir welcomed the arriving passengers at Osmani International Airport, underscoring the government's commitment to improving connectivity with the Bangladeshi diaspora.

A long-awaited restoration

The return of the Manchester route follows months of demands from expatriate Bangladeshis in the United Kingdom, especially members of the Sylheti community, for the restoration of direct air services.

The service had been suspended on March 1 under a decision of the interim government, allowing Biman to redeploy its limited fleet of wide-body aircraft for Hajj operations.

At the time, Biman said its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777 aircraft were required to meet Hajj demand while maintaining services on European and Middle Eastern routes. The airline also argued that operating the Manchester route independently was not commercially viable during that period.

The suspension, however, drew criticism from expatriate Bangladeshis, many of whom rely on the direct Sylhet-Manchester connection to visit family without travelling through London.

Government fulfils commitment

The resumption also fulfils a commitment made by the present government within four months of assuming office.

Before the general election, Humaiun Kabir, accompanied by leaders of the UK BNP, submitted a memorandum on January 29 calling for the restoration of the route.

At a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on February 4, he announced that the route would be reinstated if the BNP formed the government.

After assuming office, Kabir coordinated with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Prime Minister's Office to facilitate the relaunch.

"The resumption of the direct Manchester-Sylhet flight has long been a legitimate demand of Bangladeshi expatriates living in northern England. When the flight was suddenly suspended, thousands of expatriates, particularly members of the Sylheti community, suffered greatly," Kabir said earlier.

He said the suspension forced many expatriates to travel through London instead of flying directly to Sylhet, increasing both travel time and costs.

"I opposed the decision from the very beginning," he added.

Kabir said he raised the issue during the first meeting of the Prime Minister-led high-level committee on civil aviation after the new government assumed office.

"I explained to the Prime Minister that this is not merely an air service. It is an important bridge connecting Bangladeshi expatriates with their families, society and the country's economy. Therefore, this route should not remain closed under any circumstances."

Ceremony in Manchester

The route's relaunch was also marked by a brief ceremony at Manchester Airport on Saturday.

The event was attended by Bangladesh's Assistant High Commissioner in Manchester, Biman's Deputy Managing Director, airline officials, the operating cockpit and cabin crew, and representatives of Manchester Airport.

Twice-weekly operation

Initially, Biman will operate two weekly flights on the route every Tuesday and Saturday using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet.

The airline expects the restored schedule to meet immediate passenger demand while optimising aircraft utilisation across its international network.

Strategic importance

Although the Manchester route represents a relatively small portion of Biman's international operations, it remains one of the airline's most strategically important diaspora services.

Northern England is home to one of the largest Bangladeshi communities outside Bangladesh, the overwhelming majority of whom trace their roots to Sylhet.

For decades, the direct connection has significantly reduced travel time and eliminated the need for lengthy road journeys from London after international arrival.

Industry observers believe restoring the route will not only improve passenger convenience but also strengthen family ties, facilitate business travel and reinforce economic and cultural links between Bangladesh and its expatriate community in the United Kingdom.

The relaunch is also expected to enhance Biman's position in the UK market, where the airline competes with Gulf carriers that have increasingly attracted Bangladeshi passengers through one-stop connections.