Manchester Airport announces return of direct flights to Bangladesh

This Sunday (December 26), the North of England is set for another long-haul boost as direct flights to Bangladesh return to Manchester Airport.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will re-commence services to Dhaka and Sylhet from Boxing Day and will fly twice a week until March 28, on the stateof-the-art Dreamliner aircraft.

With business and economy class cabins, the return of the route will be popular with the 55,000 people a year who currently travel from Manchester Airport’s catchment area to Dhaka and Sylhet. Plus, there are 600,000 people who travel to Biman’s onward network.

The North has one of the most vibrant Bangladeshi communities and the return of this service will prove hugely popular with those looking to connect with friends and family in their homeland.

Karen Smart, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “There has been significant demand for a direct service to Bangladesh for many years, so when the route returned in 2019 it was greatly received. It is, therefore, really positive news to see the route return as the aviation sector begins its road to recovery.

“Manchester Airport is the UK’s gateway to the North of England and within our catchment area there are many long standing Bangladeshi communities for whom this will make a massive difference.

“There is also a great number of northern companies who trade with Bangladesh, and many more with a desire to do so, meaning this route is a real boost for them and will unlock and enable many business opportunities.

“I look forward to working with the team at Biman Bangladesh and making the route a success.”

Kazi Ziaul Hasan, assistant high commissioner of Bangladesh in Manchester, said: “The resumption of direct flight by Bangladesh Biman is a significant and firm step on the part of Bangladesh’s national carrier in the service sector.

“This direct flight will re-energise the movement of people, infuse dynamism in trade and business opportunities. As Bangladesh graduates to developing country status and the size as well as resilience of the economy augments, trade and investment opportunities are enormous.

“The assistant high commission registers its profound appreciation to concerned authorities in Manchester for their cordial role in facilitating the resumption of flight operation by Biman Bangladesh in Sylhet-Manchester sector.

“The Biman Bangladesh, founded by the Father of our Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1972, is gradually extending its reach and services to become a leading global airline, as envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

When the route was brought back before the pandemic, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced it on a visit to the High Commission in Bangladesh, which led to the formation of the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership Board.

Coun Abdul Jabbar, deputy leader of Oldham Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Biman Bangladesh will be resuming this direct flight from Manchester. When the route was launched it was an extremely convenient service for the many people of Bangladeshi heritage living in the North West of England.

“As chair of the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership Board, I know the direct connection will support trade, cultural and education benefits for both the people of Greater Manchester and Bangladesh.

“Through the Partnership Board, we intend to continue to build Greater Manchester’s relationship with Bangladesh, and will support and promote this vital route.”

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national flag carrier airline of Bangladesh. Its main hub is at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and it also operates flights from its secondary hubs Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.

The airline provides international passenger and cargo services to Asia and Europe, as well as major domestic routes inside Bangladesh.

The first flight will depart from Manchester on Boxing Day (Sunday), and then from December 30, will operate on Fridays and Mondays.