Published : 06 Jul 2026, 01:31 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:21 AM
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed direct flights between Manchester and Sylhet.
Flight BG-208 landed at Osmani International Airport at 12:18pm on Sunday.
The passengers were greeted with flowers by Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, and Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Humaiun Kobir.
Afroza said the route had resumed under the “sincere initiative and directives” of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, fulfilling a longstanding demand of Bangladeshis living in the UK, particularly the Sylheti community.
"The government is committed to ensuring the route's regular and sustainable operation. Measures have been taken to improve passenger services, keep airfares at reasonable levels and provide greater facilities for our remittance warriors," she said.
Muktadir said the government was implementing plans to develop Osmani International Airport into an effective regional aviation hub while encouraging more international airlines to operate services and expand cross-border connectivity.
Humaiun said improved air links would unlock Sylhet's tourism potential, strengthen trade, investment and ties with expatriates, and inject fresh momentum into the economy through safer, modern and passenger-friendly aviation services.
The minister also announced plans to launch direct Biman flights between Sylhet and Cox's Bazar and said work was under way to upgrade Osmani Airport into a full-fledged international airport.
Responding to a question on Sylhet-Dhaka airfares, Afroza said the government was working to reduce fares despite longstanding mismanagement and remained committed to making the route more affordable, particularly for expatriates.
Muqtadir also expressed hope of introducing direct flights from Sylhet to Guwahati and other Indian destinations to boost travel, trade and cultural exchanges.
