Singapore Airlines (SQ) has expressed interest in doubling its weekly flight frequency on the Dhaka (DAC)–Singapore (SIN) route, citing rising passenger demand between the two countries.
The proposal was raised by Singapore’s Chargé d’Affaires Mitchel Lee during a meeting with Bangladeshi officials on April 8, 2025.
The diplomatic discussion took place at the office of Bangladesh’s Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment State Minister Nurul Haque in Dhaka (DAC). Beyond aviation, both sides also addressed bilateral cooperation on manpower export and labor mobility.
Singapore Airlines Dhaka Flights
Singapore Airlines (SQ) currently operates daily nonstop flights between Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), with flight SQ447 departing Dhaka daily and SQ446 returning from Singapore.
The airline’s proposal to double this frequency reflects growing travel and labor migration demand on the corridor. The route is currently served by three airlines, with a total of 24 weekly flights, and the nonstop flight takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes.
Singapore’s envoy highlighted the need to strengthen air connectivity between the two nations to support both business travel and the large Bangladeshi workforce based in Singapore.
The proposed frequency increase would give Singapore Airlines (SQ) a significantly stronger presence on the route alongside competitors Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) and US-Bangla Airlines (BS).
Labor Ties Drive the Push for More Flights
A key driver behind the aviation expansion proposal is the substantial Bangladeshi workforce in Singapore.
Approximately 135,000 Bangladeshi workers are currently employed in Singapore, making labor mobility a central factor in bilateral relations. Increased flight frequency would directly ease travel for these workers and their families.
During the April 8 meeting, Bangladesh formally requested the expansion of Singapore Overseas Testing Centres (OTCs) from six to at least ten. This would streamline the assessment and recruitment process for skilled Bangladeshi workers heading to Singapore.
Bangladesh also urged Singapore to open employment pathways in high-demand sectors such as food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Singapore’s envoy, in turn, stressed the importance of workers being skilled and compliant with Singapore’s legal standards before hiring.
Trade and Travel Stand to Benefit
A higher flight frequency between Dhaka (DAC) and Singapore (SIN) would benefit more than just labor migrants. Increased air connectivity typically stimulates bilateral trade, tourism, and business travel.
Singapore is a key regional financial and logistics hub, and stronger air links with Bangladesh could deepen economic ties.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) currently connects to 159 destinations served by 81 airlines, making it a major transit point for Bangladeshi passengers traveling onward to other regions. More Singapore Airlines (SQ) flights from Dhaka (DAC) would also expand transit options for Bangladeshi travelers.
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