MPs Urge Restoration of Manchester–Sylhet Flights

The suspension of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ Manchester–Sylhet–Dhaka service has been formally raised in the British Parliament, with growing pressure on the carrier to reconsider a decision that has provoked widespread concern among British Bangladeshis and regional leaders.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Labour MP Paul Waugh urged a review of Biman’s plan to withdraw regular flights on the Manchester–Sylhet route. He stressed that his Rochdale constituency, the wider North West of England, as well as communities in Scotland and the Midlands, rely heavily on the direct air link to Sylhet, a region with deep historical and family ties to the UK Bangladeshi diaspora.

Mr Waugh told MPs that the sudden announcement of the suspension had disrupted the lives of families and businesses engaged in travel, trade and investment between the two countries. “For many people, this route is not a luxury but a necessity,” he said. “Its suspension has effectively cut off a vital corridor between the UK and Bangladesh. Passengers are now forced to travel via London, often at significantly higher cost and with greater inconvenience.”

The MP asked whether the Leader of the House would join him and other northern MPs in urging Biman Bangladesh Airlines to maintain the service, highlighting the economic, cultural and humanitarian importance of the route. He noted that direct connectivity was especially critical during times of family emergencies, bereavement and urgent business travel.

Responding on behalf of the government, the Leader of the House of Commons, Alan Campbell, acknowledged the strength of the arguments presented. He thanked Mr Waugh for articulating the concerns so clearly and underlined that direct air connections play a crucial role in supporting family life, community cohesion and commercial activity. Mr Campbell added that the depth of feeling within the Bangladeshi community in Rochdale and the wider region had been made clear in Parliament and expressed hope that the airline would take these representations seriously.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced that regular flights on the Manchester–Sylhet route will be suspended from March. Although the decision was initially expected to take effect in February, the airline’s board deferred implementation by one month following early objections from stakeholders. Despite this delay, uncertainty remains for thousands of passengers who depend on the route.

In response, UK-based Bangladeshis have intensified their campaign to save the service. A digital petition has been launched on the platform Change by the group “Save Manchester to Sylhet Route”, calling for the immediate reinstatement of regular flights. The campaign has also gained political momentum, with organisers stating on social media that at least 25 MPs have already expressed support, and that more endorsements are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Observers argue that beyond passenger convenience, the route supports remittances, tourism and bilateral trade, and that its suspension could have long-term social and economic consequences for both countries.

Key facts: Manchester–Sylhet route

As parliamentary pressure and community mobilisation continue to build, campaigners hope the airline will reconsider and restore what many regard as an indispensable air link between Britain and Bangladesh.