Find cheap Biman Bangladesh flights

The national carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has been flying for many decades. While the airline is not a global name, it is modernizing its operations faster than ever before with new aircraft and an investment in its onboard experience. This is a niche player, often carrying traffic from the Middle East to other parts of the Indian subcontinent.

If you approach the journey with average expectations, you might be pleasantly surprised by Bangladeshi hospitality. Although the airline follows the latest safety regulations, this is not one of Asia’s glitzy airlines. Here are some key points to consider when booking a flight with Biman.

The airline’s main hub

Locals often refer to the carrier as “Biman,” which operates its main hub at Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. For years, the airport was one of the biggest constraints for the airline as it had aging facilities. Coming soon is Terminal 3, which has faced years of delays. The latest is that it will open in 2026 (it should have opened in mid-2024).

The new terminal will be a vast improvement with a striking design, soaring ceilings and dramatic light features. When it opens, it will expand the airport’s capacity to 24 million passengers.

Unfortunately, Biman passengers are stuck with the aging facilities for a bit longer. For now, domestic and international departures are separated between two terminals with average duty-free shops and restaurants.

The airline’s route map

Biman’s history is quite impressive with flights to more than two dozen global destinations spanning from New York to Bangkok. These days, however, the route network is more realistic for an airline Biman’s size to operate profitably.

The long-haul route network has shrunk a bit with flights currently to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo and Toronto. In Europe, the airline flies to London, Manchester and Rome.

There is also a strong network to various cities in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The latter is the airline’s bread and butter, bringing passengers from around its network and transferring them onward to cities within a few hours from its Dhaka hub. I often find that flights on Biman undercut the competition on flights between Canada or Europe and the Indian subcontinent.

Biman has numerous domestic destinations, too. The population of Bangladesh is enormous, and driving between many cities can take quite a long time. Biman’s domestic network helps people move around the country in less time.

The airline’s Hajj charter flights also prove popular with the local Muslim community as well as those from its many destinations. Hajj flights to Jeddan are an important part of the airline’s business.

Fleet

Biman was the last-remaining airline in the world to fly the DC-10, and its retirement drew aviation fans from around the world to take the final flight.

The airline has replaced its long-haul fleet with Boeing B777-300ERs and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. These offer a far more comfortable experience than the DC-10. Regional flights use the Boeing 737-800s while the Dash-8 planes fly domestic routes.

Business and economy class

With a fleet refresh comes a significant investment in its inflight product. I was impressed with the new seats on long-haul aircraft, including a new premium economy on some planes.

Business class seats

The premium cabin on its new B787 Dreamliner aircraft is a cut above the slightly older B777 planes. The B787-8 planes feature fully-flat seats in a 2-2-2 layout. These seats provide more space around the shoulders, but there is one drawback that I dislike.

When the seats fully recline, the two in each pair recline to a different height. While fully flat, one seat will be a few inches above the other although there is a privacy shade between them. It also makes it virtually impossible for the window passenger to step out to the aisle without disturbing someone seated at the aisle. I recommend the centre, all-aisle-access pair of seats for this reason on this aircraft.

The B787-9s, however, are my preferred option (although sometimes the aircraft get swapped at the last minute). These planes are in a 1-2-1 layout with all-aisle access. Boeing 737-800 narrowbody planes are in a 2-2 layout with old-fashioned recliner seats.

The B777s have a different seat altogether with ample storage space, but in a cramped 2-3-2 configuration. No one likes a middle seat in business class.

It means that no one can avoid discomfort if someone needs to reach the aisle. You are either by a window or in the middle and need to step over someone, or you are in the aisle and someone may step over you while resting.

Business class service

I like how before departure, a welcome drink is served with a plate of nuts or canapes. The meal service begins with a selection of salads and appetizers followed by the main dish. I usually opt for the Bangladeshi curries as they never disappoint.

Dessert includes something sweet, and on longer flights, cheese and fruit. Service is well-intentioned, but not over the top. Other niceties include noise-reduction headphones and a basic amenity kit.

Biman is a dry airline, which means only soft drinks are available on its flights. In Dhaka hotels, it is possible to have alcohol if you are non-Muslim, but it is not available in the airport.

Economy class layout

On the largest plane, the B777, the airline has chosen a 3-3-3 layout. Boeing 787 Dreamliners are in a more comfortable 2-3-2 design while the Boeing 737-800s are in a traditional 3-3 design. If taking a domestic flight on the Dash-8, those are in a 2-2 setup, which is great since there is no middle seat.

The recline and foot space is not great, but on the Dreamliners, Biman has added a premium economy cabin in a 2-3-2 layout with more space and slightly upgraded meal service. This is a great middle ground if you cannot buy up to business class although I have never tried it.

Economy class service

Biman always offers at least one vegetarian choice during its meal service. Its longest flights have two meals while shorter flights have just one. Pre-order options include diabetic or children’s meals. All meals on Biman are Halal-certified.

Bid for upgrades

Like several airlines, Biman has learned that it can secure extra revenue by allowing passengers to bid for upgrades as the departure date nears if empty seats remain. The airline says you can save as much as 75% off the standard fare through this method.

On the Biman website, you can enter your flight details and the amount that you are willing to pay for an upgrade. The airline gives you a guideline for the minimum bid. I have not used the service with Biman, but I have on other airlines. My bid is usually pretty low, and more often than not, I get the upgrade right before departure.

If you do not want to spend the cash to get business class, you can also bid for an upgrade in economy class (in the form of blocked seats next to you).

If you are lucky, you can get two guaranteed, empty seats adjacent to yours to create your own flat-bed seat in the main cabin. Like for business upgrades, the airline will give you a minimum bid suggestion, and you can decide how much you are willing to spend.

Inflight entertainment

Options vary greatly by the aircraft you are flying. Let’s start with the best option: the Dreamliners. These planes have a wide selection of international film, sitcoms and music in all cabins. There are also some live TV channels and paid Wi-Fi.

The B777s and B737s do not have the latest systems although the former does have seatback screens at all seats while the latter relies on overhead monitors for entertainment.

Lounges

Biman has its own lounge in Dhaka while it relies on partner facilities in other airports. Access is available for its own top-tier elite status members as well as those traveling in business class. The Dhaka lounge is small with limited food and no alcoholic drinks.

Having lounge access, especially before the new terminal opens, is important because entering Bangladesh may require a visa for certain nationalities. As a result, many travelers find themselves stuck sprawled out on airport chairs during long layovers while they await their next flight.

If you have a Priority Pass card, which is a membership program that comes with many premium credit cards as part of the annual fee, you can access lounges in both domestic or international terminals. I prefer the lounge run by the InterContinental Dhaka because it has higher quality food and sofas where you can nap.

Loyalty program

Biman has its own loyalty program, which can be particularly rewarding to local passengers, but perhaps less so to travelers that do not fly the carrier often. I am disappointed the airline does not have many other airline partners, which is one reason why I usually choose another carrier if prices are relatively similar.