Air link revived: Pakistan, Bangladesh restore direct flight operations
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, January 29, AZERTAC
Pakistan–Bangladesh air connectivity makes a comeback today, as Biman Bangladesh Airlines resumes direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka after a 14-year break.
The route was last operated in 2012 and has been revived following recent diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
The non-stop service will officially begin on 29 January, with flights operating twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays. The resumption of direct Pakistan-Bangladesh flights is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs for passengers. Bangladesh Airlines will resume direct flights on the Dhaka-Karachi-Dhaka route from January 29, restoring nonstop air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan after more than a decade. Biman will initially operate two weekly flights on Thursdays and Saturdays, using a 162-seat Boeing 737.
The move comes amid improving bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, in recent months. In the past, travellers from both the countries and other regions depended on Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai even for short three-hour flights, often facing longer journeys and higher costs as a result.
Passengers have hailed the resumption of direct flights, saying it would deepen people-to-people links and unlock new opportunities in trade, tourism, and business between the two nations. The resumption of direct flights is expected to significantly ease travel and boost trade between the two countries.
The inaugural flight from Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, is expected to land in Karachi after a nonstop journey of three hours. Earlier, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority granted approval to Biman Bangladesh Airlines to commence operations on the route.
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