Biman delays suspension of Dhaka–Sylhet–Manchester route to March

Flag carrier pushes back planned halt after reviewing ticket-holders’ concerns

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has deferred by a month its decision to suspend flights on the Dhaka–Sylhet–Manchester route, now setting the suspension date for March instead of February.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the airline said the decision was revised following a review by its board of directors, taking into account the concerns of ticket-holding passengers.

“Under the board’s revised decision, the Manchester flight will now be temporarily suspended from March 1 instead of the previously announced Feb 1,” the airline said.

Biman had announced on Jan 4 that flights on the route would be suspended from February, citing the operation of Hajj flights and several other operational reasons. The decision was revised just two days later.

The airline said passengers affected by the suspension would be offered assistance in line with existing policies, including alternative travel on the Dhaka–London–Dhaka route, flight date changes, or ticket refunds.

Passengers have been advised to contact Biman’s Dhaka and London sales offices, the airline’s call centre (13636 / [phone]), or authorised travel agents for support.

Biman launched flights on the Dhaka–Sylhet–Manchester route in October 2019 and remains the only airline operating direct services on this route.

In December 2024, Bangladeshi expatriates in the UK staged protests amid rumours that the Manchester flights would be discontinued.