After more than a decade of suspended air connectivity, Bangladesh and Pakistan are preparing to restore direct commercial flights, marking a notable shift in regional relations. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will relaunch non-stop flights between Dhaka and Karachi later this month, reopening a route that had remained dormant since 2012.
The move signals improving diplomatic and economic engagement between the two South Asian nations, following months of regulatory discussions and political realignment in Dhaka.
When Will Dhaka–Karachi Flights Start?
Biman Bangladesh Airlines will begin direct operations from January 29, reconnecting the two major cities without layovers. According to an official statement cited by local media, “Initially, flights will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays.”
The outbound flight from Dhaka will depart at 8:00 pm local time and land in Karachi at 11:00 pm, while the return journey will leave Karachi at 12:00 am and arrive in Dhaka at 4:20 am.
Why Were Flights Suspended for Over a Decade?
Direct air services between Bangladesh and Pakistan stopped in 2012 due to strained diplomatic relations and limited bilateral engagement. For years, travelers had to rely on indirect routes via Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian hubs, increasing both cost and travel time.
The revival of the route reflects a broader reset in ties, particularly after political changes in Bangladesh in 2024.
Will the Flights Fly Over Indian Airspace?
One key operational question remains unanswered: whether the Dhaka–Karachi flights will use Indian airspace. The shortest route passes through central India, but officials have not yet confirmed if overflight clearance has been secured from New Delhi.
Airlines often require diplomatic approvals for such routes, and clarity on this issue will determine flight duration and fuel efficiency.
What Changed in Bangladesh–Pakistan Relations?
Relations between the two countries gained momentum after the change in leadership in Bangladesh following student-led protests in August 2024. Muhammad Yunus assumed charge as Chief Adviser of the interim government, opening doors for renewed regional engagement.
The plan to resume flights was first publicly discussed during the visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka in August 2024—the first such high-level visit in over ten years.
More Airlines May Join the Route
Biman Bangladesh Airlines may not remain alone for long. Pakistani private carriers Fly Jinnah and AirSial have already received approval from Bangladeshi aviation authorities to operate direct flights, suggesting increased competition and better pricing for travelers in the future.
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority has also cleared the route and designated air corridors within Pakistani airspace.
Beyond passenger convenience, the resumed air link could boost trade, medical tourism, academic exchanges, and people-to-people contact. Direct connectivity often acts as a catalyst for broader economic cooperation, especially between countries seeking to rebuild trust.
