Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh set to resume after govt approval

ISLAMABAD: Direct air travel between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to resume after the federal government granted permission to Bangladesh’s national airline to operate flights between Dhaka and Karachi, sources told on Friday.

According to the sources, the Civil Aviation Authority approved the request after receiving clearance from the federal government, with the permission formally issued by the CAA director general. The approval allows Bangladesh’s national flag carrier to operate flights till March 30, 2026.

Sources said the airline has also been granted permission to use Pakistan’s airspace on approved routes, adding that it will be required to strictly adhere to designated air corridors. Complete flight details will have to be shared with Karachi airport authorities before departure from Dhaka.

The development comes amid improving bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh in recent months, which has helped pave the way for the resumption of direct flight services. At present, travellers between the two countries rely on connecting flights via Dubai or Doha.

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“Flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh are expected to begin later this month,” the sources said.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan had confirmed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines was preparing to launch three weekly flights to Karachi. He made the remarks while speaking to The News on the sidelines of an event at the Foreign Services Academy.

“Yes, we are starting direct flights with Pakistan. Our national airline will operate three weekly flights to Karachi,” the high commissioner had said.