Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 4, 2026 (BSS) - National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines clinched the maiden Airlines Football Championship (AFC) 2026 title today, defeating US-Bangla Airlines 2-0 in a penalty shootout after the final ended in a 1-1 draw.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest and handed over the championship trophy to Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the runners-up trophy to US-Bangla Airlines.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the current government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to transform Bangladesh's aviation sector into a regional hub.

"We are working to make Biman Bangladesh Airlines as one of the best carriers in the world," she said.

The AFC 2026 marked Bangladesh's first-ever international inter-airline football competition, bringing together domestic and foreign airlines on a common sporting platform to promote friendship, teamwork and camaraderie among aviation professionals.

The two-day futsal tournament was held on July 3 and 4 at the Gulshan Youth Club Field.

A total of 16 domestic and international airlines took part in the inaugural championship.