After a gap of nearly one and a half decades, the restoration of direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh is being widely seen as a significant development in bilateral relations. The long-suspended direct flights are now set to resume, and a formal flight schedule has also been released, marking an important step toward improved mobility and cooperation between the two countries. This move is being viewed not only as a major convenience for travelers but also as a symbol of renewed trust and gradually improving diplomatic ties.
Bangladesh’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, confirmed on Thursday that direct air services to Pakistan are being reinstated after more than a decade. Airline officials stated that the decision was taken following extended consultations and in light of the recent positive momentum in relations between the two nations. Under this initiative, direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi will resume, representing the first regular commercial air service on this route since 2012.
According to details shared by the airline, the first nonstop flight from Dhaka to Karachi is scheduled to depart on January 29. Initially, the route will operate twice a week, offering much-needed relief to passengers who have long faced indirect and time-consuming travel options. Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ manager, Bushra Islam, told an international news agency that the airline is restarting the Dhaka–Karachi route with two weekly flights, adding that frequency could be increased in the future depending on passenger demand.
In an official statement, the airline said the resumption of direct flights would significantly enhance connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan. It noted that the move is expected to facilitate business travel, boost tourism, and make it easier for families living across the two countries to stay connected. Reduced travel time and lower costs are also expected to make cross-border movement more accessible.
Until now, travelers between Pakistan and Bangladesh had no choice but to rely on connecting flights through Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha. This not only extended travel times but also increased expenses, making journeys inconvenient for many passengers. The restoration of direct air links is expected to ease these challenges considerably and provide a more efficient travel option.
The revival of air travel is part of a broader trend of improving ties between the two countries. In November 2024, cargo shipping between Karachi and Bangladesh’s major port city of Chittagong was also resumed. The return of maritime trade links was seen as an early indicator of renewed economic cooperation and growing willingness on both sides to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Diplomatic engagement has also increased in recent months. Last month, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and expressed optimism that direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka would resume in January. The latest announcement confirms that those expectations are now being realized.
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh had remained strained for several years, particularly during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, when political differences and a lack of mutual trust dominated bilateral ties. However, following mass protests, the change in government, and Sheikh Hasina’s subsequent exile, relations between the two countries have shown clear signs of improvement.
High-level visits have further reinforced this positive shift. In December, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, Ayaz Sadiq, traveled to Dhaka to attend the funeral of Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, Khaleda Zia. The visit was widely regarded as a gesture of goodwill and an important step toward rebuilding political trust.
Earlier, in August 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, also visited Dhaka, where he held talks with Professor Muhammad Yunus. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, and ways to expand cooperation in various fields. These engagements helped lay the groundwork for closer diplomatic and economic collaboration.
Analysts believe the resumption of direct flights is more than just a logistical arrangement; it represents a symbolic breakthrough in Pakistan–Bangladesh relations. By making travel easier, the move is expected to encourage people-to-people contact, cultural exchange, educational opportunities, and stronger business partnerships.
Experts suggest that if the Dhaka–Karachi route proves successful, it could pave the way for direct flights between other major cities in the two countries. Additionally, further initiatives may follow to enhance cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment.
Overall, the restoration of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh is being welcomed as a positive and forward-looking development. After years of limited connectivity, this long-awaited step is expected to benefit travelers, strengthen economic ties, and contribute to a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two nations.