After 14 Years, 1st Bangladesh Flight Lands In Pakistan-Why Were Direct Services Halted For Decades?

After a gap of 14 years, direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan has been restored. A flight from Dhaka landed at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Thursday evening, marking the resumption of non-stop flights between the two countries.

According to the Pakistan Airport Authority, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-341 was the first direct service from Dhaka to Karachi since flights were suspended more than a decade ago.

Water Salute Marks Historic Arrival

The aircraft received a traditional water salute after landing, a gesture usually reserved for special occasions. The Pakistan Airport Authority described the moment as the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two nations.

Officials said the restoration of air services reflects improving ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan after years of limited engagement. Relations have shown signs of warming since political changes in Bangladesh following large student-led protests in August 2024.
Flight Schedule and Trial Period Announced

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced that flights on the Dhaka-Karachi route will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays. The service has been approved on a trial basis until March 30, after which a decision will be taken on granting long-term permission.

As per the schedule, the flight will depart Dhaka at 8:00 pm local time and arrive in Karachi at 11:00 pm. The return journey will leave Karachi at midnight and reach Dhaka at 4:20 am.

Talks Ongoing to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Discussions on restarting direct flights had been ongoing since last year, with both governments aiming to boost trade, travel, and people-to-people contact. Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, and relations between the two countries have seen periods of strain over the decades.

Plans for resuming flights were first publicly announced in August last year during the visit of Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, to Dhaka. His visit was the first high-level engagement between the two nations in over ten years.

The relaunch follows formal clearance from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, which approved Biman's operations and access to designated air corridors within Pakistani airspace.