Karachi – In a significant development for regional connectivity and people-to-people ties, direct passenger flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to resume after a 14-year suspension, marking a potential turning point in travel and bilateral engagement between the two countries.
According to aviation and government sources, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will restart direct Dhaka–Karachi flights from January 29, restoring an air link that has remained inactive since 2012. The service will initially operate twice a week, offering long-awaited relief to passengers who have relied on indirect routes for over a decade.
The absence of direct flights had forced travellers to transit through Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai and Doha, significantly increasing travel time and cost. The resumption of non-stop services is expected to ease travel for businesspersons, families, students, and tourists while also encouraging greater commercial and cultural interaction.
Officials familiar with the development said the revival of direct flights reflects gradual improvement in diplomatic and economic relations between Islamabad and Dhaka. In recent months, both sides have shown interest in enhancing cooperation in trade, logistics, and regional connectivity, with the aviation link seen as a practical step in that direction.
Under the current plan, flights will depart Dhaka on Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Karachi late at night, with return flights scheduled shortly after midnight. Authorities indicated that the route will be reviewed after the initial operational phase, and frequency may be increased depending on passenger demand and performance.
Aviation experts say the move could also help revive business ties and cargo movement, particularly between Pakistan’s largest port city and Bangladesh’s commercial hubs. Karachi has historically served as a key destination for Bangladeshi traders and medical travellers, while Pakistan hosts a sizable Bangladeshi expatriate and business community.
Travel industry representatives welcomed the announcement, calling it a “long-overdue decision” that could open the door for additional routes in the future, including potential connections between Dhaka and other Pakistani cities.
While the current service is limited, analysts believe the resumption of direct flights carries symbolic and practical significance, signalling renewed engagement after years of limited connectivity. If sustained, the route could play an important role in rebuilding trust, enhancing mobility, and strengthening regional ties.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.