KARACHI: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Thursday resumed direct flights after a gap of 14 years, marking a significant step in bilateral relations.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated its first flight from Dhaka to Karachi, departing at 8:00 pm and landing at Jinnah International Airport at 11:00 pm, following a three-hour journey. The service will run twice weekly under flight number BG-341.
Officials from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that special arrangements had been made at Karachi airport to welcome the inaugural flight. The resumption of direct flights is expected to boost business travel, tourism, and family visits between the two countries.
The two nations, which were once part of the same country before Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, had relied on connecting flights through Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha for travel.
The return of direct flights coincides with growing trade and cultural exchanges, including cargo services between Karachi and Chittagong and cultural events featuring artists from both countries.
