Karachi/Dhaka: Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed direct flights after a 14-year gap. Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated its first flight from Dhaka to Karachi on Thursday. The flight departed Dhaka at 8pm and landed in Karachi at 11pm, completing the three-hour journey.
Airport authorities and Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed they had finalized all arrangements for the flight. The resumption marks the first regular connection between the two countries since 2012. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate two flights weekly, improving travel for business, tourism, and families.
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“The Karachi-Dhaka route is back with two weekly flights,” said airline manager Bosra Islam. Direct flights will reduce dependency on connecting routes through Gulf hubs like Dubai and Doha. Officials expect smoother travel, stronger trade links, and enhanced people-to-people ties.
Pakistan and Bangladesh were once a single nation before their separation in 1971. Geographically, they are separated by over 1,500 kilometers through India. Despite this, cultural and trade links have strengthened recently, including cargo shipments from Karachi to Chittagong since November 2024.
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The airline emphasized that direct flights will benefit business travelers, tourists, and families. The move also strengthens cultural exchange, medical travel, and bilateral trade between the two countries. Both governments are optimistic about long-term cooperation and connectivity.