Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national carrier of Bangladesh and has been flying for many decades. The airline is modernising faster than ever before with new aircraft and investment in its onboard experience.
This isn’t one of the glitzy Asian airlines, but it’s a niche player that often undercuts competitors on routes between the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. If you approach the journey with average expectations, you might be pleasantly surprised by Bangladeshi hospitality. Here’s what you need to know.
The airline’s route map
Biman currently flies long-haul routes to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Toronto. In Europe, the airline serves London and Rome (note that Manchester flights are currently suspended). The route network is more focused than Biman’s history might suggest (flights once spanned from New York to Bangkok), but it’s realistic for an airline this size to operate profitably.
But where Biman really shines is its network across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, including cities like Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Jeddah, Madinah, Muscat, and Riyadh (though some Gulf routes may have temporary suspension notices, so check before booking).
This is their bread and butter, and I’ve often found their fares between Canada or Europe and the subcontinent can beat the bigger players. They also run a solid domestic network covering cities like Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and more, which is a lifesaver since driving between cities in Bangladesh can take a long time.
The airline’s Hajj charter flights also prove popular with the local Muslim community as well as those from its many destinations. Flights for pilgrims to Jeddah are an important part of the airline’s business.
Fleet
Biman operates Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 787-8/787-9 Dreamliners on long-haul routes, Boeing 737-800s on regional flights, and Dash 8-400 aircraft typically used on domestic routes. These modern planes offer a far more comfortable experience than the airline’s previous fleet.
A fun fact for the aviation geeks: Biman was the last airline in the world to fly the classic DC-10. Its retirement flight was a huge deal. Today, the fleet is much more modern.
Business and economy class
A newer fleet means a serious upgrade to the inflight experience. I was impressed with the new seats on their long-haul planes. They’ve even added a premium economy cabin on the 787-9 aircraft.
Business class seats
Biman’s business class experience varies significantly by aircraft. The B787-9s offer the best product with a 1-2-1 layout and all-aisle access (my preferred option, although the airline sometimes swaps aircraft at the last minute). The B787-8 planes feature fully-flat seats in a 2-2-2 layout with more shoulder space, but there’s one drawback 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’s a privacy shade between them. This design 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 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. No one can avoid discomfort if someone needs to reach the aisle. You’re either by a window or in the middle and need to step over someone, or you’re in the aisle and someone may step over you while resting.
Boeing 737-800 narrowbody planes are in a 2-2 layout with old-fashioned recliner seats.
Business class service
Biman is a dry airline, which means only soft drinks are available on its flights (in Dhaka hotels, it’s possible to have alcohol if you’re non-Muslim, but it’s not available in the airport). That said, the meal service is well-executed and well-intentioned, if not over the top.
I like how before departure, a welcome drink is served with a plate of nuts or canapés. The crew begins the meal service with a selection of salads and appetizers followed by the main dish. I usually opt for the Bangladeshi curries as they never disappoint. You’ll get something sweet for dessert, and on longer flights, cheese and fruit. Other niceties include noise-reduction headphones and a basic amenity kit.
Economy class layout
Economy class comfort varies by aircraft. Boeing 787 Dreamliners offer the most comfortable 2-3-2 design, and on these planes, Biman has added a premium economy cabin (also 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.
The B777 uses a tighter 3-3-3 layout while 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’s no middle seat. The recline and foot space is not great across the fleet.
Economy class service
You won’t go hungry in economy. Vegetarian meals can be requested as a special meal at the time of booking or at least 24 hours prior to departure. Its longest flights have two meals while shorter flights have just one. Pre-order options include diabetic or children’s meals, which can be requested at the time of booking or at least 24 hours before departure. Biman certifies all meals as Halal.
Bid for upgrades
Biman lets passengers 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 you’re willing to pay. The airline gives you a guideline for the minimum bid.
I haven’t 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 don’t 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’re lucky, you can get two guaranteed, empty seats adjacent to yours to create your own flat-bed seat in the main cabin. Just like with business upgrades, the airline will give you a minimum bid suggestion, and you can decide how much you’re willing to spend.
Inflight entertainment
You’ll find inflight entertainment varies greatly by aircraft. You’ll get entertainment and Wi-Fi on Dreamliners, though the specific content selection may vary. The B777s and B737s don’t have the latest systems or Wi-Fi, although the B777s do have seatback screens at all seats while the B737s rely on overhead monitors for entertainment.
Lounges
Biman has its own lounge in Dhaka (small, with limited food and no alcoholic drinks) while it relies on partner facilities in other airports. Silver and Gold loyalty members and those travelling in business class can access the lounge. If you have a Priority Pass card, which comes with many premium credit cards, you can access lounges in both domestic or international terminals.
Having lounge access is important because entering Bangladesh may require a visa for certain nationalities. Many travellers end up sprawled out on airport chairs during long layovers waiting for their next flight. I prefer the InterContinental Dhaka Balaka Executive Lounge because it has higher quality food and sofas where you can nap.
The airline’s main hub
Biman’s home base, or what locals just call “Biman,” is Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. For a long time, the aging airport was a major drawback. The good news is that a brand new Terminal 3 is on the way, though it’s faced some delays and officials expect it to open soon.
When it does, it’ll be a huge improvement with a modern design and capacity for 20 million passengers.
For now, though, Biman passengers will have to make do with the older facilities. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 handle international flights within the same building, while domestic flights operate from a separate terminal, with a standard offering of duty-free shops and restaurants.
Loyalty program
Biman has its own loyalty program, the Biman Loyalty Club. It’s most rewarding for folks who live in Bangladesh and fly the airline frequently. For the occasional traveller, it’s less compelling. One of the biggest downsides for me is the lack of airline partners, so I’ll often choose another carrier if the prices are relatively similar.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
