In a significant move for regional connectivity, Bangladesh's national carrier is set to restore direct air links with Pakistan after a hiatus of over a decade. Officials confirmed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will recommence nonstop flights between Dhaka and Karachi later this month, marking a tangible step in warming bilateral relations.
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
The airline will launch the much-anticipated service on January 29. Initially, it will operate two flights per week, every Thursday and Saturday, as reported by the Bengali daily Prothom Alo. According to the official schedule, the aircraft will depart from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:00 PM local time, arriving in Karachi at 11:00 PM. The return leg will take off from Karachi just after midnight at 12:00 AM, touching down in Dhaka at 4:20 AM.
Biman has stated that the service will be operated using modern aircraft and experienced crews. The aerial distance between the two cities is approximately 2,370 kilometers. For the past ten years, passengers have had to rely on connecting flights through Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Sharjah, operated by carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air Arabia. These journeys often take between 8 to 12 hours, and can extend beyond 18 hours due to lengthy layovers.
A Decade-Long Hiatus and Diplomatic Thaw
Direct flights between the capitals were last operated in 2012. The decision to revive the route follows several months of discussions between Biman and Pakistani aviation authorities. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has now granted formal clearance, allowing Biman to operate flights and use designated air corridors within Pakistani airspace.
This reconnection comes amid a notable improvement in diplomatic and trade relations between Dhaka and Islamabad. The shift gained momentum following the change in Bangladesh's government in 2024. The first high-level push for renewed connectivity came during the visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to Dhaka in August last year. His trip was the first of its kind from Pakistan in over a decade.
Challenges and Expected Impact
However, a key logistical hurdle remains. The most efficient flight path between Dhaka and Karachi passes through Indian airspace. As of now, it is unclear whether Bangladesh has secured the necessary overflight permissions from Indian authorities, a detail highlighted by news agency PTI.
Despite this, the airline is optimistic about the route's potential. In a statement, Biman said the direct service is expected to make travel "easier and more convenient" and will likely bolster business exchanges, tourism, and family visits between the two nations. The resumption of this air link is widely seen as a confidence-building measure, potentially paving the way for deeper economic and people-to-people engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, countries that share a complex historical tapestry since Bangladesh's independence in 1971.
