Published: 09:05 AM, 08 September 2025
Why Biman Bangladesh Airlines Has Failed to Reach International Standards
Shahidul Alam Swapan
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier, carries not only passengers but also the emotions and pride of the nation. Since its journey began in 1972, it has represented the country’s independence and connectivity to the world. Yet, after more than five decades, Biman has not been able to establish itself as a truly international-standard airline. While state-owned and private carriers from neighboring and competing countries have flourished globally, Biman often makes headlines for delays, mismanagement, or passenger dissatisfaction. The central question remains: why has Biman failed to become world-class?
Weak Management and Corruption
One of the core problems has been poor management. Leadership positions in Biman often change frequently, and appointments have historically been based more on political influence or bureaucratic seniority rather than professional expertise in aviation.
Corruption has also plagued the airline. From aircraft procurement and spare parts acquisition to maintenance contracts and ticketing, irregularities are common. This has inflated costs, reduced efficiency, and prevented the airline from achieving financial stability. Unlike global carriers such as Singapore Airlines or Lufthansa, which thrive on transparency and corporate professionalism, Biman has struggled with accountability.
Outdated Fleet and Maintenance Challenges
Modern fleets are essential to ensure passenger safety and satisfaction. Although Biman has recently added Dreamliners and a few modern aircraft, the average fleet age remains comparatively high, and many planes often sit grounded due to inadequate maintenance. This leads to frequent delays, cancellations, and poor reliability.
In contrast, airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines continuously invest in the latest aircraft and ensure top-notch technical maintenance facilities, enhancing both safety and passenger comfort. Biman’s inability to match these standards has weakened its competitiveness.
Poor Customer Service and Lack of Professionalism
An airline is judged not just by its fleet, but also by its customer service. Unfortunately, Biman has earned a reputation for delayed flights, mishandled baggage, unhelpful staff, and subpar in-flight meals. Passengers often complain about indifferent attitudes among ground staff and cabin crew.
Global carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, or Cathay Pacific are praised for their impeccable service culture, where cabin crew professionalism directly enhances brand loyalty. Biman, on the other hand, has failed to build a culture of service excellence, causing passengers—especially expatriates—to prefer foreign airlines over their national carrier.
Weak Business Strategy
Biman has failed to adopt a sustainable business model. At times, it has operated unprofitable routes merely in the name of “national interest.” Meanwhile, lucrative routes—such as those in the Middle East, where millions of Bangladeshi expatriates reside—have been dominated by competitors like Emirates, Etihad, and Saudia.
These airlines have gained market share with competitive pricing, punctuality, and superior service. Biman’s weak route planning and lack of strategic partnerships have cost it valuable opportunities to expand.
Political Interference and Lack of Autonomy
As a state-owned enterprise, Biman has long suffered from political interference. Decisions on appointments, promotions, and even route selections are often influenced by non-professional considerations.
Successful flag carriers like Turkish Airlines or Ethiopian Airlines operate with significant managerial autonomy, allowing them to act flexibly in competitive markets. Biman’s lack of independence has made it difficult to adopt bold reforms or maintain consistent leadership vision.
Poor Brand Image and Passenger Distrust
Brand reputation is critical for any airline. Unfortunately, Biman’s brand has been repeatedly tarnished by news of flight delays, sudden cancellations, and service mishaps. Instead of being known for reliability, Biman has often been portrayed negatively in both domestic and international media.
Compare this to Qatar Airways or Emirates, which have invested heavily in branding, passenger experience, and global marketing. They are now symbols of luxury and reliability, whereas Biman struggles to overcome perceptions of inefficiency.
Global Competition
The global aviation industry is highly competitive. Regional carriers like IndiGo and Air India have rapidly modernized their fleets and expanded routes, while Middle Eastern giants like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad dominate international markets with strong hubs and premium services.
Biman has not been able to keep pace. Its inability to match service quality, route strategy, and operational efficiency has left it sidelined in markets where demand from Bangladeshi expatriates is enormous.
What Needs to Be Done
Professional Management
Appoint aviation professionals with international experience, free from political influence. Long-term strategies, not short-term fixes, are essential.
Fleet Modernization and Maintenance
Expand and modernize the fleet while simultaneously upgrading technical maintenance facilities to ensure punctuality and reliability.
Customer Service Overhaul
Provide rigorous training for ground staff and cabin crew to ensure professionalism, punctuality, and passenger-centered service.
Strategic Route Planning
Focus on high-demand expatriate destinations such as the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Unprofitable routes should be reconsidered or operated through code-sharing partnerships.
Transparency and Accountability
Introduce strict anti-corruption measures and ensure procurement, recruitment, and financial management follow international best practices.
Rebuilding Brand Image
Invest in positive branding and marketing campaigns, but more importantly, deliver consistently reliable and high-quality service to regain passenger trust.
Weak Management and Corruption
One of the core problems has been poor management. Leadership positions in Biman often change frequently, and appointments have historically been based more on political influence or bureaucratic seniority rather than professional expertise in aviation.
Corruption has also plagued the airline. From aircraft procurement and spare parts acquisition to maintenance contracts and ticketing, irregularities are common. This has inflated costs, reduced efficiency, and prevented the airline from achieving financial stability. Unlike global carriers such as Singapore Airlines or Lufthansa, which thrive on transparency and corporate professionalism, Biman has struggled with accountability.
Outdated Fleet and Maintenance Challenges
Modern fleets are essential to ensure passenger safety and satisfaction. Although Biman has recently added Dreamliners and a few modern aircraft, the average fleet age remains comparatively high, and many planes often sit grounded due to inadequate maintenance. This leads to frequent delays, cancellations, and poor reliability.
In contrast, airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines continuously invest in the latest aircraft and ensure top-notch technical maintenance facilities, enhancing both safety and passenger comfort. Biman’s inability to match these standards has weakened its competitiveness.
Poor Customer Service and Lack of Professionalism
An airline is judged not just by its fleet, but also by its customer service. Unfortunately, Biman has earned a reputation for delayed flights, mishandled baggage, unhelpful staff, and subpar in-flight meals. Passengers often complain about indifferent attitudes among ground staff and cabin crew.
Global carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, or Cathay Pacific are praised for their impeccable service culture, where cabin crew professionalism directly enhances brand loyalty. Biman, on the other hand, has failed to build a culture of service excellence, causing passengers—especially expatriates—to prefer foreign airlines over their national carrier.
Weak Business Strategy
Biman has failed to adopt a sustainable business model. At times, it has operated unprofitable routes merely in the name of “national interest.” Meanwhile, lucrative routes—such as those in the Middle East, where millions of Bangladeshi expatriates reside—have been dominated by competitors like Emirates, Etihad, and Saudia.
These airlines have gained market share with competitive pricing, punctuality, and superior service. Biman’s weak route planning and lack of strategic partnerships have cost it valuable opportunities to expand.
Political Interference and Lack of Autonomy
As a state-owned enterprise, Biman has long suffered from political interference. Decisions on appointments, promotions, and even route selections are often influenced by non-professional considerations.
Successful flag carriers like Turkish Airlines or Ethiopian Airlines operate with significant managerial autonomy, allowing them to act flexibly in competitive markets. Biman’s lack of independence has made it difficult to adopt bold reforms or maintain consistent leadership vision.
Poor Brand Image and Passenger Distrust
Brand reputation is critical for any airline. Unfortunately, Biman’s brand has been repeatedly tarnished by news of flight delays, sudden cancellations, and service mishaps. Instead of being known for reliability, Biman has often been portrayed negatively in both domestic and international media.
Compare this to Qatar Airways or Emirates, which have invested heavily in branding, passenger experience, and global marketing. They are now symbols of luxury and reliability, whereas Biman struggles to overcome perceptions of inefficiency.
Global Competition
The global aviation industry is highly competitive. Regional carriers like IndiGo and Air India have rapidly modernized their fleets and expanded routes, while Middle Eastern giants like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad dominate international markets with strong hubs and premium services.
Biman has not been able to keep pace. Its inability to match service quality, route strategy, and operational efficiency has left it sidelined in markets where demand from Bangladeshi expatriates is enormous.
What Needs to Be Done
Professional Management
Appoint aviation professionals with international experience, free from political influence. Long-term strategies, not short-term fixes, are essential.
Fleet Modernization and Maintenance
Expand and modernize the fleet while simultaneously upgrading technical maintenance facilities to ensure punctuality and reliability.
Customer Service Overhaul
Provide rigorous training for ground staff and cabin crew to ensure professionalism, punctuality, and passenger-centered service.
Strategic Route Planning
Focus on high-demand expatriate destinations such as the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Unprofitable routes should be reconsidered or operated through code-sharing partnerships.
Transparency and Accountability
Introduce strict anti-corruption measures and ensure procurement, recruitment, and financial management follow international best practices.
Rebuilding Brand Image
Invest in positive branding and marketing campaigns, but more importantly, deliver consistently reliable and high-quality service to regain passenger trust.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is more than just a carrier—it is a national symbol. Its success or failure reflects directly on Bangladesh’s global image. Unfortunately, due to weak management, corruption, outdated systems, and political interference, Biman has remained far behind international standards.
Yet, the potential remains. With over 10 million Bangladeshi expatriates around the world, there is a vast and loyal customer base waiting for a reliable national airline. If Biman can adopt professional management, invest in modernization, and prioritize customer satisfaction, it could reclaim its rightful place among leading global carriers. Otherwise, it risks being remembered as merely an emotional symbol rather than a world-class airline.
Shahidul Alam Swapan is a
private banking financial
crime specialist and author
based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Shahidul Alam Swapan is a
private banking financial
crime specialist and author
based in Geneva, Switzerland.
