KARACHI, In a historic step toward mending regional ties and enhancing South Asian connectivity, direct passenger flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to resume on January 29, 2026. The announcement marks the end of a 14-year hiatus in non-stop air travel between the two nations, a period during which passengers were forced to rely on expensive and time-consuming transit through third-country hubs.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the state-run carrier, confirmed on Thursday that it has received formal clearance from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate twice-weekly flights on the Dhaka-Karachi route. The flights are scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays, providing a direct link that will reduce travel time from over 12 hours to just under four hours.
“The resumption of direct air links is a milestone for both nations. It will significantly improve connectivity, supporting not only business travel and tourism but also facilitating thousands of families who have faced immense difficulties in visiting their loved ones,” said Bosra Islam, a senior manager at Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The first flight is expected to depart Dhaka at 8:00 PM local time, arriving in Karachi at 11:00 PM.
The decision is being viewed by geopolitical analysts as a “diplomatic thaw” following the political shifts in Dhaka in late 2024. Relations between the two countries, which remained strained for over a decade, have seen a marked improvement in recent months. High-level engagements, including the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka and the attendance of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, have paved the way for this breakthrough.
Aviation experts emphasize that the move will have a profound impact on trade. Karachi and Dhaka are the commercial engines of their respective countries. Re-establishing this link means faster movement of business delegations and potentially, the restoration of air cargo services that could revitalize bilateral trade,” said a Karachi-based aviation analyst.
The Pakistan CAA has cleared the airline to use designated air corridors, and slot allocations at Jinnah International Airport have already been finalized. However, security protocols remain stringent. Authorities have mandated that Biman Bangladesh Airlines share complete passenger manifests and flight details ahead of every departure.
Residents and the business community in Karachi have expressed relief at the news. A local garment exporter, who frequently travels to Dhaka, noted, “Previously, we had to go through Dubai or Doha, which was exhausting and costly. This direct route is a game-changer for the textile industry in both countries.”
As the January 29 launch date approaches, officials from both sides are monitoring technical preparations. While the current approval is valid until March 30 as a trial phase, officials are optimistic that the high demand will lead to a permanent and expanded flight schedule, potentially including routes to Lahore and Islamabad in the future.
