Overview
Dhaka, the vibrant capital of Bangladesh, is a warm, energetic megacity on the banks of the Buriganga River, famous for its bustling bazaars, rich Mughal heritage and the friendliest of welcomes. For the UK's large British-Bangladeshi community, flights to Dhaka are above all about family — coming home for weddings, Eid, and precious time with loved ones. Flights arrive into Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC). Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Dhaka quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Dhaka
Bangladesh is warm all year. The cool, dry season from November to February is the most pleasant time to visit and a popular one for family trips, so fares run higher. The hot season follows, with the monsoon bringing heavy rain from June to September. Demand and prices peak around Eid and the winter wedding season, so booking early for these times pays off. Check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Airlines and routes
Biman Bangladesh Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow to Dhaka in around 10 hours. For connecting options — often better value — Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) all serve Dhaka from the UK. From Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports with large Bangladeshi communities, a one-stop routing via a Gulf hub is the usual choice. Compare carriers for your exact dates to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Dhaka
Dhaka rewards visitors with history, faith and riverside life:
- Lalbagh Fort: an elegant, unfinished 17th-century Mughal fort and garden complex.
- Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace): the striking former residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka.
- Star Mosque (Tara Masjid): a beautiful mosque decorated with intricate star-patterned tiles.
- Sadarghat: the lively riverfront port, a window onto the life of the Buriganga.
- Old Dhaka: a maze of bazaars, rickshaws and street food at the heart of the city.
At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)
Hazrat Shahjalal International sits about 8 km north of central Dhaka, with currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free and food outlets, and a newly expanded terminal. Prepaid airport taxis, hotel pick-ups and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way into the city. Traffic can be very heavy, so allow plenty of time for journeys across Dhaka.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Dhaka
- Book well ahead for Eid and the winter wedding season — these are the busiest and priciest times.
- Travel in the shoulder weeks where you can for noticeably lower fares.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures often beat weekend prices.
- Compare direct and one-stop options; a single Gulf-hub connection can save a good deal.
Travel essentials
- Most UK travellers need a visa for Bangladesh; those of Bangladeshi origin may be eligible for a No Visa Required (NVR) stamp — check with the High Commission before you fly.
- The local currency is the Bangladeshi taka (BDT).
- Dress modestly, especially at mosques and religious sites.
