Direct flights between Dhaka, Bangladesh and Karachi, Pakistan inaugurated

Direct flights between Dhaka, Bangladesh and Karachi, Pakistan inaugurated

Bangladesh Correspondent

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh have begun, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines launching its first flight from Dhaka to Karachi. The direct flights were resumed on 29 January 2026 after a gap of 14 years and are an important milestone in strengthening connectivity and bilateral relations between the two countries.

The inaugural flight with full passenger capacity departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka for Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

The Honorable Advisor on Civil Aviation and Tourism, His Excellency Sheikh Bashir Uddin; High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, Mr. Imran Haider; Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh; and other senior officials including the Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines saw off the flight.

The launch of direct flights is being hailed as a positive and long-awaited development. While addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Adviser on Civil Aviation and Tourism stressed the importance of the Dhaka-Karachi route in enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism and strengthening people-to-people connectivity. He mentioned that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will gradually increase flight frequencies and reduce airfares to make travel more affordable for the people. He expressed the hope that the people of Bangladesh would travel to Pakistan and explore its natural beauty, cultural heritage and diverse cuisine.

Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner recalled the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Adviser to Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, which aimed to enhance connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He mentioned that in view of the vision and aspirations of the leadership of the people of our two countries during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar to Dhaka in August last year, both sides agreed to take immediate steps to resume direct flights. He further said that its launch today will play a significant role in enhancing youth, educational, cultural, business, people-to-people and family exchanges.

The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority for making the launch of the flight possible.

Passengers travelling on the inaugural flight expressed joy and enthusiasm at the restoration of direct air connectivity and described it as a milestone in bringing the two countries closer.