Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Biman Bangladesh Airlines today clarified that the temporary suspension of flights on the Dhaka–Sylhet-Manchester route is driven by fleet constraints and operational realities, while measures have been taken to minimise passenger inconvenience.

In a statement, the national flag carrier said recent media and social media discussions on the Manchester route prompted the airline to explain its position and the prevailing operational situation to passengers and all concerned.

Biman said the decision to temporarily suspend flights on the route aligns with fleet availability and operational considerations, noting that the Manchester service is not economically viable. 

A limited number of wide-body aircraft, Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 are deployed across Europe, Hajj and Middle East routes, and assigning an aircraft to a long-haul sector like Manchester for several days creates pressure on fleet management.

During the Hajj season, the airline must operate additional flights within a short period to carry pilgrims, making it operationally necessary to adjust frequencies on other routes, it said.

Biman also cited very high demand on Middle Eastern routes from expatriate workers and Umrah passengers, requiring deployment of limited aircraft to higher-demand and more efficient sectors. 

Regular C-checks, engine overhauls and structural inspections further reduce aircraft availability for weeks or months, while a global crew shortage also affects long-haul operations.

Considering these factors, the airline said it decided to temporarily suspend the Dhaka-Sylhet–Manchester flights to maintain service continuity, ensure operational stability and optimise use of its limited fleet.

To ease passenger inconvenience, Biman said it has increased frequencies on the London route and is currently operating five weekly flights—four via Sylhet and one directly from Dhaka.

The airline also announced that the previously declared suspension date of February 1, 2026, has been deferred to March 1, 2026. 

Passengers booked on the Manchester route are being offered ticket refunds or flight changes without any additional charges, including options to travel via London or reschedule to any earlier convenient date, free of fees.

Biman expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and sought passengers’ cooperation and understanding. 

It added that aircraft acquisition and crew recruitment are underway, and subject to their completion, resumption of flights on the Manchester route will be considered and communicated in due course.