Summary:
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated a special all-female crew flight (BG 388) on March 8, 2025, to celebrate International Women’s Day, with Captain Anita and First Officer Tasnuva leading the cockpit team.
- The Dhaka-Bangkok-Dhaka flight featured seven female crew members, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in aviation.
- The initiative aimed to challenge gender stereotypes in male-dominated industries and inspire future generations of women in technical and leadership roles.
- Passengers received commemorative certificates, while the airline announced plans to double female workforce participation in operational roles by 2030.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines marked International Women’s Day with a historic all-female crew flight from Dhaka to Bangkok and back, underscoring its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Flight BG 388, commanded by Captain Anita and First Officer Tasnuva, departed Dhaka at 11:20 AM on March 8 with two female cockpit crew members and five female cabin crew members onboard. The initiative, announced in a press release, aimed to highlight the airline’s solidarity with global efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence.
The special Dhaka-Bangkok-Dhaka service represents a milestone for Bangladesh’s national carrier, showcasing the capabilities of women in aviation roles traditionally dominated by men. “This flight symbolizes our dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace and challenging societal barriers,” the airline stated. While Biman has previously featured female pilots and crew on select routes, this marks the first time an entire flight operation—from cockpit to cabin—has been staffed exclusively by women.
Captain Anita, a veteran pilot with over 15 years of experience at Biman, emphasized the significance of the event. “Today is not just about flying a plane; it’s about inspiring the next generation of women to pursue their dreams without limitations,” she remarked ahead of the flight. First Officer Tasnuva, one of the airline’s rising stars, echoed the sentiment, noting that visibility for women in leadership roles remains critical in male-dominated industries.
The initiative aligns with broader national and global trends toward gender parity in aviation. Bangladesh has seen a gradual increase in female participation in technical and operational roles across sectors, though challenges persist in achieving equal representation. Biman’s move follows similar efforts by airlines like Air India and Qatar Airways, which have operated all-women crew flights to commemorate International Women’s Day in recent years.
Passengers on the flight received commemorative certificates acknowledging their participation in the milestone journey. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions, with many praising the airline for taking a visible stand on gender equality. Critics, however, urged sustained action beyond symbolic gestures, calling for expanded recruitment, mentorship programs, and policy reforms to address systemic barriers.
Biman’s press release reaffirmed plans to continue advocating for women’s advancement through training initiatives and leadership opportunities. The airline currently employs over 200 women across operational roles, a figure it aims to double by 2030. As global aviation grapples with pilot shortages and workforce diversification, efforts like today’s flight highlight the untapped potential of women in reshaping the industry’s future.
The flight landed safely in Dhaka at 7:45 PM, concluding a journey celebrated as both a technical achievement and a cultural statement. With International Women’s Day 2025 themed “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” Biman’s initiative serves as a reminder of the work ahead—and the heights attainable when barriers are dismantled.
