Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed direct flights between Dhaka and Japan's Narita Airport after a year-long suspension.
Flight BG-376 departed Dhaka at 2:25 am on Monday and was scheduled to arrive in Japan at 11:25 am Bangladesh time.
The government expects the restored route to strengthen investment, trade, education and people-to-people ties between the countries, reports bdnews24.com.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony at Shahjalal International Airport on Monday night, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the government was committed to keeping the route operational.
"There is no question of suspending this route again," she said. "We expect it to be commercially viable this time. Bookings have already been completed not only for the inaugural flight but also for return and subsequent services, generating strong enthusiasm among Bangladeshis living in Japan."
At a meet-and-greet event before departure, Khanam said the relaunch of the Dhaka-Narita service was the result of a collective effort and reflected the government's commitment to implementing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directives.
She said the direct service would further strengthen bilateral relations and open up new opportunities for economic cooperation.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the route had been reinstated with the needs of around 45,000 Bangladeshi students, workers, and expatriates living in Japan in mind.
"To ensure the route remains operational in the long term, we plan to expand the fleet by adding Airbus aircraft alongside Boeing jets to meet future demand," he said.
Millat also recalled the role of late president Ziaur Rahman in launching the Dhaka-Narita service in 1980 despite a shortage of aircraft, saying the government had now restored the route under the prime minister's direction.
Following the ceremony, the minister and state minister greeted passengers and officially inaugurated the flight by cutting a ribbon.
Ticket sales for the route began on Jun 20. Initially, Biman will operate one flight per week.
The Dhaka-Narita direct service was suspended on Jul 1, 2025, during the then interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, with authorities citing Hajj flight requirements, commercial considerations, and a shortage of aircraft.
The route has now resumed after nearly a year.