Biman Bangladesh Airlines resumed cargo transportation on the Dhaka to London route on Wednesday after the UK and EU lifted a ban imposed two years ago over safety concerns.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Public Relations Department Manager Tasmin Aktar said the first cargo flight left Dhaka for London at 11:20am on Wednesday.
“Direct cargo transport from Dhaka to London began again today following a long wait while undergoing an audit on cargo safety,” he said.
According to Biman Bangladesh sources, the plane left with 15 tons of primarily garment products. Another cargo plane which is due to depart for London today has already been fully booked.
Cargo transports on the Dhaka-London route were stopped due to restrictions imposed by the British government on March 8, 2016.
Over the past two years, the export and import section of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has taken extensive initiatives to increase the overall safety of the airport in accordance with European Union standards.
Consequently, the European Union and the UK Department for Transport (DFT) withdrew the cargo ban, in a move announced by the UK High Commissioner in Dhaka, Alison Blake.
Although Biman was valid as a cargo handling agent, the airline had to submit to a four-day audit held on February 19-22 in order to receive the ACC3 designation as a cargo carrier.
The airline passed the audit, and the audit report was then forwarded to the DFT.
On Monday night, DFT informed Biman via e-mail that the carrier had regained its ACC3 designation.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
