Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to gradually increase flight frequencies on the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route after its July 27 relaunch, depending on commercial performance and the induction of additional aircraft into the national carrier's fleet.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita announced the plan at a press conference at the Department of Information on Sunday, saying the resumption of direct flights to Japan is a strategic move aimed at strengthening economic, trade and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The minister said Biman would initially operate one weekly flight on the route using its Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner aircraft while maintaining competitive fares.

"Flight frequencies will be increased gradually depending on commercial performance and the addition of aircraft to the national carrier's fleet," she said.

Ticket sales are expected to begin on June 20 through Biman's website and other authorised distribution channels.

The announcement comes as Biman prepares to restore Bangladesh's only non-stop air connection with Japan after more than a year of suspension.

According to the minister, the airline had originally planned to resume operations by June 30. However, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) requested a comprehensive safety audit, requiring around 45 days to complete the regulatory process.

"As a result, we are working to complete all related procedures and relaunch the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka service on July 27," she said.

The route was suspended on July 1, 2025, amid concerns over commercial viability, aircraft shortages and operating costs. The minister noted that after assuming office, the current government instructed Biman to restore the service as part of broader efforts to deepen Bangladesh-Japan relations and improve connectivity.

Rita said international routes typically require time to become commercially profitable as airlines build market presence, passenger confidence and demand.

"With effective marketing strategies, increasing passenger numbers and efficient management, the route's prospects will continue to strengthen," she said.

Highlighting the growing importance of Japan as a destination for Bangladeshi travellers, workers and students, the minister said expanding trade and investment relations, along with rising people-to-people exchanges, had created strong long-term prospects for the route.

"We believe the resumption of the Dhaka-Narita-Dhaka route will further strengthen economic, trade and people-to-people links between Bangladesh and Japan and deepen the friendly relations between the two countries," she added.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government regretted the delay in restarting the service but attributed it to procedural requirements associated with the Japanese safety audit.

He said the route had been suspended at a time when it was beginning to show encouraging commercial results and expressed confidence that it would become profitable and sustainable through proper planning and network management.

Millat said more than 40,000 Bangladeshi workers and students currently reside in Japan, creating a strong passenger base for the route.

"The announcement of the route's return has generated significant enthusiasm among Bangladeshis living in Japan," he said.

The route was previously relaunched by Biman in September 2023 after a 17-year absence before being suspended less than two years later.

Officials believe its return will reinforce growing economic and social links between Bangladesh and Japan while supporting trade, investment, tourism and business travel.

"Our goal is not merely to relaunch a route; rather, it is to make Bangladesh more connected, create new economic opportunities and further strengthen the country's position in international aviation," the minister said.