Dhaka-Karachi direct flights soon
Staff Reporter :
Direct air connectivity between Dhaka-Islamabad is set to return, as the federal government has granted permission to Bangladesh’s national flag carrier to operate flights between Dhaka and Karachi.
According to the Geo News on Friday, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued the approval after receiving formal clearance from the federal government.
The permission was granted by the Director General of the CAA, allowing the Bangladeshi airline to operate flights initially until March 30, 2026. The airline has also been authorised to use Pakistan’s airspace on approved routes.
CAA officials said the airline must strictly follow designated air routes while flying through Pakistani airspace and share complete flight details with Karachi airport authorities before departure from Dhaka.
“Flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh are expected to begin later this month,” the report said.
The decision comes amid improving ties between Dhaka and Islamabad in recent months, a shift that has helped pave the way for the resumption of direct flight services.
At present, passengers travelling between the two countries depend on connecting flights through hubs such as Dubai or Doha.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, had earlier confirmed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines is preparing to launch three weekly flights to Karachi.
He said, “Yes, we are starting direct flights with Pakistan. Our national airline will operate three weekly flights to Karachi.”
Earlier, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, had said on December 28 last year that Dhaka-Karachi direct flights were expected to start in January 2026.
He made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka, according to the CA Press Wing.
Beyond aviation, both countries are keen to expand cooperation in trade, investment and shipping, alongside strengthening cultural, educational and medical exchanges.
Bilateral relations gained fresh momentum following the formation of the interim government led by Professor Yunus after the July uprising that toppled the Awami League government.
During the previous administration, relations with Pakistan remained cool while ties with India were warm. Under the interim government, engagement with Pakistan has improved, while relations with India have declined.
As part of this renewed engagement, direct shipping between the two countries has resumed. Pakistan has also waived visa fees for Bangladeshi citizens for both tourist and business travel and is offering scholarships to Bangladeshi students for tertiary education at several prestigious universities.
In addition, Pakistan is promoting itself as a destination for medical tourism, highlighting quality healthcare services at competitive costs.
Officials expect the resumption of direct flights to open new avenues for bilateral engagement and significantly boost people-to-people contact between the two South Asian nations.