Biman suspending Dhaka-Manchester flights from Feb 1

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its regular flights on the Dhaka-Manchester-Dhaka route from February 1 until further notice.

In a release, the national flag carrier said the decision was taken by its board of directors due to aircraft shortage, the upcoming hajj operations, the need for long-term maintenance of existing aircraft, and to ensure optimal fleet utilisation and operational efficiency across its network.

Passengers booked on the Dhaka-Manchester-Dhaka route will be provided assistance in line with Biman's existing policies, including changes to travel dates on the Dhaka-London-Dhaka route and ticket refunds.

The airline said passengers would be informed in due course once flights on the Dhaka-Manchester-Dhaka route resume.

Starting in 2021, Biman operates weekly two flights on this route.

Many Bangladeshis living in Manchester criticised Biman's decision.

"It is our understanding that the Manchester-Sylhet route has consistently demonstrated strong demand and profitability. Despite this, the route has been suspended multiple times in the past," said Mizanur Rahman, director of UK NRB Society, in a Facebook post.

Another Bangladeshi expatriate in UK, Wahida Sultana, said that the route is currently sustainable, commercially viable, and offers competitive ticket pricing.

"Suspension of this route caused significant concern and dissatisfaction within the UK Bangladeshi community, especially among passengers who rely heavily on this direct connection to Sylhet," she added.

After a suspension of 73 days, Biman had resumed its flights on the Sylhet-Manchester route in July, 2025.

Biman had earlier announced the suspension of flights on this route from May 1 to July 10 to ensure uninterrupted hajj flight operations for 2025.

Biman is the only carrier operating direct flights on the Manchester route via Sylhet while passengers travelling by other airlines need a transit.

Biman currently has 19 aircraft in its fleet operating 21 international and seven domestic destinations.