Biman suspends Dhaka–Manchester flights from February 1 due to aircraft shortage

Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of its regular Dhaka–Manchester–Dhaka flights from February 1, 2026, due to aircraft shortages and preparations for the upcoming Hajj operations.

In a press release issued on Sunday, the national flag carrier said the decision was taken by its Board of Directors considering multiple operational factors.

“In line with the decision of the Board of Directors, regular flights on the Dhaka–Manchester–Dhaka route will be temporarily suspended from 1 February 2026 until further notice due to aircraft shortages, upcoming Hajj operations, long-term maintenance requirements of existing aircraft, and the need to ensure optimal fleet utilization and operational efficiency across the network,” the release stated.

Biman said that passengers affected by the suspension will be provided necessary assistance in accordance with the airline’s existing policies, including alternative travel arrangements via the Dhaka–London–Dhaka route, flight date changes, and ticket refunds.

Passengers have been requested to contact Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ Dhaka and London sales offices, the Biman Call Centre (13636 / +88-096109-13636), or authorized Biman travel agents for support.

The airline expressed sincere regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to passengers and other stakeholders.

Biman also said that passengers would be informed in due course once flights on the Dhaka–Manchester–Dhaka route resume.

Meanwhile, at a time of surging passenger demand, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is facing a worsening fleet crisis, having failed to add a single aircraft over the past five years.

Instead of expanding, the national carrier’s fleet has shrunk to just 19 aircraft, following the return of two leased planes last year after the expiration of their contracts. Efforts to lease replacement aircraft have repeatedly failed, with five tender rounds receiving no response from international lessors.

However, on December 30, the Biman Board decided to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft. The airline has yet to announce a timeline for the delivery of the first aircraft.