Biman’s Dhaka-Narita flight suspension draws flak

Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ abrupt suspension of its Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka flights has drawn widespread criticism with aviation experts and expatriates questioning the logic behind shutting down the route despite its long-term potential and existing demand.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ abrupt suspension of its Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka flights has drawn widespread criticism with aviation experts and expatriates questioning the logic behind shutting down the route despite its long-term potential and existing demand.

The decision, effective July 1, has sparked frustration among passengers and members of the Bangladeshi community in Japan and many of whom described it as "illogical" and "short-sighted."

Aviation experts said the move undermines Biman’s strategic interests and damages Bangladesh’s aviation image abroad, UNB reports.

They believe the national carrier should have worked to turn the route profitable or at least minimise losses instead of halting operations altogether.

Speaking to UNB, several Bangladeshi expatriates in Japan expressed disappointment over the decision.

“There was strong demand for the Dhaka-Narita flights. Closing the route under the pretext of losses defies logic,” said one frequent passenger.

The suspension comes just as Bangladesh is poised to expand its footprint in Japan as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently announced that Japan has pledged to create at least 100,000 jobs for Bangladeshis over the next five years.

"How does it make sense to cut this vital air link when such opportunities are emerging?" questioned an expatriate.

Biman resumed direct flights to Narita in September 2023 after a 17-year gap, deploying its state-of-the-art Dreamliner 787 aircraft.

The route was welcomed by expatriates and travellers for reducing travel time to eight hours and eliminating the need for lengthy transit stops.

Passenger numbers reportedly started declining from August last year. Citing mounting financial losses, Biman's board decided in May to suspend the route from July 1.

The move leaves Bangladesh without a direct air link to Japan, forcing passengers to rely on third-country transits, significantly increasing both travel time and expenses.

Former Biman board member and aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam termed the decision "regrettable."

“Shutting flights to a major destination like Japan — where we have trade, tourism, and a significant expatriate population — reflects poor planning,” he said.

He pointed out that leading global carriers often continue prestigious long-haul routes like New York or Narita despite short-term losses, keeping long-term strategic benefits in mind.

“Biman’s approach is like cutting off the head to cure a headache. Once a route is launched, it must be sustained with a proper business plan,” he added.

Echoing similar views, aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam criticised Biman’s reliance on government support.

“US-Bangla is expanding its fleet, but Biman is waiting for the government to buy aircraft for them. If Biman only focuses on labour passengers and ignores premium travellers, profitability will remain elusive,” he said.

He warned that abruptly starting and stopping international routes tarnishes Bangladesh’s reputation and affects bilateral ties.

When contacted, Biman Managing Director and CEO Shafiqur Rahman defended the decision, citing unsustainable financial losses.

“Each Narita flight was incurring losses of nearly Tk 95 lakh. The board carefully reviewed all options before suspending operations from July 1,” he told UNB.

According to Biman data, between September 2023 and March 2024, the airline operated 225 flights on the Dhaka-Narita route, transporting 84,674 passengers and 2,365 tonnes of cargo. The average cabin occupancy stood at 69 percent, with overall losses amounting to Tk 215.58 crore.

The airline also cited aircraft and crew shortages as additional factors behind the suspension.

Despite the setback aviation stakeholders and expatriates are urging the government and Biman to explore viable solutions to restore this crucial air link which holds immense economic and strategic value for Bangladesh.