Boost for North as direct Bangladesh flights return to Manchester Airport

International connectivity from the North of England will get a further boost as direct flights to Bangladesh are set to resume operating from Manchester Airport from Boxing Day.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will re-commence services to the country’s capital, Dhaka, and the city of Sylhet, operating twice-weekly flights.

The return of the route will be popular with the 55,000 people a year who currently travel from Manchester Airport’s catchment area to Dhaka and Sylhet, as well as the 600,000 passengers who will travel on connecting Biman services.

The North of England is home to some of the UK’s largest Bangladeshi communities, and will prove hugely popular with those looking to connect with friends and family in their homeland, as well as strengthening business links with the region.

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said:

“There has been significant demand for a direct service to Bangladesh for many years, so when the route returned in 2019 it was greatly received. It is therefore really positive news to see the route return as the aviation sector begins its road to recovery.

“Manchester Airport is the UK’s gateway to the North of England and within our catchment area there are many long-standing Bangladeshi communities for whom this will make a massive difference.

“There is also a great number of northern companies who trade with Bangladesh, and many more with a desire to do so, meaning this route is a real boost for them and will unlock and enable many business opportunities.

“I look forward to working with the team at Biman Bangladesh and making the route a success.”

Kazi Ziaul Hasan, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Manchester, said:

“The resumption of direct flight by Bangladesh Biman is a significant and firm step on the part of Bangladesh’s national carrier in the service sector. This direct flight will re-energise the movement of people, infuse dynamism in trade and business opportunities. As Bangladesh graduates to developing country status and the size as well as resilience of the economy augments, trade and investment opportunities are enormous. 

“The Assistant High Commission registers its profound appreciation to concerned authorities in Manchester for their cordial role in facilitating the resumption of flight operation by Biman Bangladesh in Sylhet-Manchester sector. 

When the route was brought back before the pandemic, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced it on a visit to the High Commission in Bangladesh, which led to the formation of the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership Board.

Cllr Abdul Jabbar MBE, deputy leader of Oldham Council, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Biman Bangladesh will be resuming this direct flight from Manchester. When the route was launched it was an extremely convenient service for the many people of Bangladeshi heritage living in the North West of England.

“As Chair of the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership Board, I know the direct connection will support trade, cultural and education benefits for both the people of Greater Manchester and Bangladesh.

“Through the Partnership Board, we intend to continue to build Greater Manchester’s relationship with Bangladesh, and will support and promote this vital route.”