Pakistan, Bangladesh restore direct air links after 14 years
Pakistan
The aircraft landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where it was given a traditional welcome on the runway
KARACHI (Dunya News) - The air connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been restored after a gap of 14 years, as the first flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines arrived in Karachi from Dhaka with 150 passengers on board.
The aircraft landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where it was given a traditional and ceremonial welcome on the runway.
A cake-cutting ceremony was also held at the airport, which was attended by the Sindh governor.
Calling the occasion historic, the Sindh governor said Pakistan was achieving diplomatic successes and expressed hope that this positive momentum would continue.
He described Pakistan and Bangladesh as brotherly nations and claimed that India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had attempted to use negative tactics to create divisions, but had ultimately failed.
Dhaka–Karachi Direct Flights Resume After 14 Years
— Media Talk (@mediatalk922) January 29, 2026
Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated its inaugural non-stop flight from Dhaka to Karachi, ending a 14-year hiatus and marking a significant step toward closer bilateral engagement.@KulAalam @HussainAhmedCh8 @bimanbangladesh Air pic.twitter.com/6n0LbdGArf
Earlier, a ceremony was held at Dhaka International Airport to formally inaugurate the departure of the flight.
During the event, officials also announced plans to increase the frequency of flights in the future and reduce airfares.
The ceremony was attended by Adviser for Civil Aviation and Tourism Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, as well as senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
High Commissioner Imran Haider said the resumption of direct flights reflects the shared vision of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He added that the move would promote greater youth, educational, business and family exchanges between the two countries.
Passengers travelling on the flight also welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
