Pakistan-Bangladesh travel: First direct flight from Dhaka lands in Karachi after 14 years
Inaugural flight carries 150 passengers, greeted with ceremonial water cannon salute
DHAKA/KARACHI – A new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations was written today as direct air connectivity between the two nations resumed after 14 years.
Bangladesh’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, operated its inaugural flight from Dhaka to Karachi, marking the restoration of this long-awaited air link. The fully packed flight, carrying 150 passengers, was given a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival at Jinnah International Airport.
Dhaka-Karachi flight
The flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, at 8:00pm and landed in Karachi at 11:00pm under flight number BG-341. The departure was witnessed by key dignitaries, including Adviser for Civil Aviation & Tourism Sk. Bashir Uddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism, the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ MD/CEO.
Pakistan-Bangladesh travel
Speaking at the inauguration, the Adviser for Civil Aviation & Tourism highlighted the significance of the Dhaka-Karachi route in promoting tourism, business, and people-to-people links. He added that Biman Bangladesh Airlines intends to gradually increase flight frequency and reduce airfares to make travel more accessible for passengers.
Passengers expressed enthusiasm over the restored direct air link, calling it a milestone in fostering closer ties between the two countries.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan recalled the vision of Professor Muhammad Yunus, former Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two nations. He highlighted that during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar to Dhaka in August last year, both countries agreed to immediate measures for resuming direct flights.
Officials noted that the operationalisation of this route would enhance youth, academic, cultural, business, and familial exchanges between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The High Commissioner also thanked the Government of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and the Civil Aviation Authorities for their efforts in making today’s launch possible.
Future plans
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced plans to operate two weekly flights on the Dhaka-Karachi route. The resumption of direct air travel is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral ties, improve trade opportunities, and facilitate easier travel for people from both countries.