Bangladesh will launch direct Bangladesh Biman flights between Dhaka and Japan’s Narita by 27 July, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita.
She made the announcement at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Monday morning.
The minister said the service was initially planned to begin by 30 June, but delays occurred due to Japan’s lack of readiness. She said operations have now been rescheduled for completion by 27 July.
“Flights to Narita were supposed to start by 30 June. The delay is due to an audit by Japan Civil Aviation,” Afroz Khan Rita said.
She added that around 40,000 Bangladeshis live in Japan and demand for air travel on this route is high. The government has decided to launch the route considering this demand.
Responding to journalists’ questions, the minister said preparations are underway to launch the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by 16 December this year.
In response to another question, she said no contract has yet been signed with any party regarding cargo handling services at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
She also said that allegations of corruption at the airport are being examined by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
