Biman awaits safety clearance for US flights

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is unlikely to resume direct flights between Dhaka and New York before 2028, as Bangladesh must first complete a series of international aviation safety assessments and secure a higher safety rating from the United States, according to Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq.

Speaking to reporters at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, Siddiq said Bangladesh is scheduled to undergo two major audits by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) over the next two years.

These include an ICAO security audit in October this year and a comprehensive safety audit in October 2027.

Responding to questions about efforts to restore direct air links with New York, the CAAB chairman explained that the key requirement is obtaining the United States Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Category-1 aviation safety rating.

“We will first complete the ICAO audits. After successfully passing the 2027 audit, necessary steps will be taken to obtain FAA Category-1 status,” he said.

Siddiq expressed optimism that Bangladesh would eventually secure the required rating, provided the post-audit evaluation and approval processes proceed successfully.

However, he cautioned against expecting an early resumption of direct flights to New York.

“It is not possible to say anything definitively before the 2027 audit is completed. The matter will depend on the post-audit assessment and approval process,” he said.

Bangladesh’s efforts to restore direct air services to the United States have been closely linked to the country’s aviation safety status.

The FAA downgraded Bangladesh to Category-2 after the country failed to maintain direct flight operations to the US for four consecutive years.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended its Dhaka-New York service in July 2006, and successive governments have sought to re-establish the route.

Restoring FAA Category-1 status has remained a long-term objective for both the government and the national flag carrier, which has repeatedly expressed interest in resuming flights to New York once the necessary regulatory and safety requirements are met.