Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations as direct air connectivity between the two countries resumes after a 14-year gap. The restoration of flights is being widely welcomed as a positive and long-awaited development in regional ties.
The historic moment will be marked by the arrival of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ inaugural Dhaka–Karachi flight at Jinnah International Airport on Thursday. This will be the first direct flight operated by a Bangladeshi airline to Pakistan in more than a decade, symbolizing renewed engagement between the two nations.
According to officials, Flight BG341 will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8am and arrive in Karachi at 11am after a three-hour journey. The resumption of direct flights is being seen as a fresh start and a new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
Authorities at Karachi airport, along with Civil Aviation officials, have completed special arrangements to receive the inaugural flight. Airport management confirmed that all operational requirements and welcome preparations are in place to ensure smooth handling of the historic arrival.
Initially, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate two flights per week between Dhaka and Karachi. The service will run on Thursdays and Saturdays, offering much-needed direct connectivity between the two major cities and easing travel for passengers who previously relied on indirect routes.
Public response to the restored air link has been strong. All 162 seats on the inaugural flight have been sold, while most tickets for the second flight are also booked. Officials say the high demand clearly reflects the need for direct travel options between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Under the announced schedule, the Dhaka–Karachi flight will depart at 8pm and arrive in Karachi at 11pm local time. The return flight will leave Karachi at 12pm and reach Dhaka at 4:20am the following day.
The service will operate on a trial basis from January 29 to March 30, 2026. Authorities have stated that the continuation or expansion of the route will depend on passenger response and overall operational performance during the trial period.
At present, most travelers between Pakistan and Bangladesh have to transit through international hubs such as Dubai or Doha. The restoration of direct flights is expected to significantly reduce travel time, lower costs, and minimize inconvenience for passengers.
Beyond travel convenience, the move is expected to boost people-to-people contact, trade, and cultural exchange between the two countries. Officials and travelers alike have described the resumption of direct air links as a long-overdue step that could pave the way for closer cooperation in the future.
