After a 126-day suspension, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed its direct Sylhet–Manchester–Sylhet service, bringing relief to thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates living in northern England.
The inaugural flight (BG-208), carrying 272 passengers, landed at Osmani International Airport in Sylhet at 12:04pm on Sunday.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, and PM’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir welcomed the passengers of the reopening flight.
Speaking to reporters, the civil aviation minister said the government had prioritized restoring the route to ease travel for expatriates and reduce travel time and costs. She assured passengers that the Manchester service would continue without interruption, adding that Biman is leasing additional aircraft to maintain regular operations and improve service reliability.
The commerce minister said the government is working to develop Sylhet into one of the country's leading tourism hubs. He said the focus extends beyond air passenger services to the overall development of the region's tourism sector, with various initiatives being undertaken to unlock its full potential.
The minister also said that direct flights between Sylhet and Guwahati could be introduced in the future if bilateral relations with the neighbouring country reach a new level.
Md Shariful Alam, manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines in Sylhet, confirmed that the route will operate twice weekly. Flights will depart Sylhet for Manchester every Sunday and Tuesday, while return flights from Manchester will arrive on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Mizanur Rahman Mizan, director of British-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that expatriates living in northern England are delighted with the launch of the flight. He stated that this achievement was made possible through the united movement of the expatriate community.
The flight suspension sparked strong protests among UK-based Bangladeshis, who feared the route might be permanently discontinued. Community leaders believe their coordinated campaign played a significant role in restoring the service.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been the only carrier operating direct flights between Sylhet and Manchester since the route was launched on January 6, 2020.