DHAKA, Bangladesh: Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed direct flights after a hiatus of 14 years, as Biman Bangladesh Airlines launched its inaugural flight from Dhaka to Karachi on Thursday.
The development marks a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity and bilateral engagement between the two South Asian nations, according to a press release issued by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The fully packed inaugural flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, for Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
The flight was seen off by Sk. Bashir Uddin, Advisor for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, alongside other senior officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor for Civil Aviation and Tourism stressed the route’s significance in enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and strengthening people- to- people ties.
He added that the Bangladesh flag carrier plans to gradually increase flights to Pakistan, making the travel more accessible.
He also expressed hope that citizens of Bangladesh would take the opportunity to visit Pakistan and witness its natural beauty, rich artistic heritage, and delicious food.
The High Commissioner, expressing his views, recalled the shared vision of the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
Passengers aboard the flight expressed their joy over the resumption of air connectivity, describing it as a milestone in bringing the people of Bangladesh and Pakistan closer to one another.
Diplomatic ties between the two nations have strengthened in recent months.
Last month, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, expressed hope that direct flights would begin in January during a meeting with Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh had been strained during the rule of the ousted Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina.
However, following her exile after a popular revolt, ties have improved markedly. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq traveled to Dhaka for the funeral of Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia, in December.
In August 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also visited Dhaka and met Yunus.
The revival of the Dhaka-Karachi flight is seen as a step toward enhanced people-to-people contact, trade, and stronger bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
