Biman Bangladesh Airlines is gearing up to commence flights on the Dhaka–Karachi route, with preparations ongoing at full pace.
In a major development for regional air travel, Bangladesh has confirmed that direct flights to Pakistan will be restored after a long hiatus. The announcement is marking a major step toward rebuilding connectivity, boosting bilateral engagement, and improving people-to-people exchanges between the two South Asian nations.
Three Weekly Flights to Karachi Confirmed
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, announced that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate three direct weekly flights to Karachi. Speaking to The News on the sidelines of a session at the Foreign Services Academy, he said preparations are well underway to re-establish this important route.
The High Commissioner noted that the move comes after consistent diplomatic discussions and reflects both countries’ desire to revive long-dormant aviation links. The High Commissioner claimed that the service is intended to
- Facilitate travel
- Strengthen people-to-people ties
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Flights Will Use Indian Airspace
Responding to a question about the flight path, the ambassador confirmed that Biman flights will use Indian airspace, just as Indian carriers already overfly Bangladesh. He clarified that Biman will operate under similar arrangements, ensuring smoother connectivity and efficient travel times for passengers.
This routing was considered one of the major hurdles in resuming services, and according to officials, its resolution has cleared the way for Biman’s return to Pakistan skies.
Pakistan’s Airlines Still Unable to Fly to Dhaka
Despite the positive developments, sources familiar with regional aviation keep on saying that Pakistani airlines are unlikely to start flights to Dhaka in the near future. India continues to enforce airspace restrictions on Pakistani carriers, leaving them without a feasible route to reach Bangladesh. This imbalance means that while Bangladeshi flights will arrive in Pakistan, Pakistani aircraft cannot yet reciprocate.
Industry insiders note that until diplomatic progress is made with India on airspace access, Pakistani carriers will remain grounded on this route.
Clarification on Earlier Reports
Earlier, state news agency APP—citing the High Commissioner—reported that Mahan Air, an Iranian carrier, would operate flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, it has now been officially declared that Biman Bangladesh Airlines is going to utilize the Karachi route, ultimately leading to the
- Restoration of national flag-carrier representation
- Ensures greater reliability and frequency in operations
A Step Toward Renewed Regional Engagement
The re-launch of direct flights is expected to encourage business travel, cultural exchange, and tourism. For families divided across borders and traders seeking smoother access, this move represents a long-awaited reconnection.
Both countries hope the restored link will open the door to broader cooperation and deeper bilateral ties in the months ahead.