Direct air travel between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed on Thursday after a 14-year suspension, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines operating its inaugural flight from Dhaka to Karachi.
According to Pakistan’s High Commission in Dhaka, the fully booked flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. The launch ceremony was attended by Bangladesh’s Adviser for Civil Aviation and Tourism Sheikh Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, and other senior officials.
In a statement, the High Commission described the resumption of direct flights as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral connectivity and engagement between the two countries.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Bangladesh’s civil aviation and tourism adviser highlighted the importance of the Dhaka–Karachi route in enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and fostering people-to-people ties. He said Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to gradually increase flight frequency and lower fares to make travel more accessible.
He also expressed hope that Bangladeshi travellers would visit Pakistan to experience its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and diverse cuisine.
Pakistan’s high commissioner, in his remarks, referred to the shared vision of Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to improve connectivity between the two nations. He noted that during Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Dhaka in August last year, both sides had agreed to take immediate steps to restore direct flight operations.
The high commissioner thanked the government of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and the Civil Aviation Authority for facilitating the resumption of the air link.Passengers on the inaugural flight welcomed the restoration of direct services, describing it as a milestone that would help bring the two countries closer.
Earlier this month, authorities in both countries had announced plans to resume direct flights following a 14-year gap.