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Bangladesh is preparing to restore direct air connectivity with Pakistan after a long pause, a move that marks a major step toward reviving bilateral travel links. The country’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, will operate three weekly flights to Karachi, Bangladesh’s top envoy in Islamabad has confirmed.
High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan said that Biman is finalizing arrangements to begin the service soon, calling it an important development for both nations.
Speaking at the Foreign Services Academy in Islamabad, he said the decision reflects a shared intention to strengthen people to people ties, ease travel, and rebuild connectivity that had been suspended for years.
Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh have remained inactive for an extended period, mainly due to operational and regional restrictions.
Earlier reports suggested that a foreign carrier might operate these flights, but the high commissioner clarified that it will be Biman Bangladesh Airlines officially managing the Karachi route.
Responding to questions regarding the route, he stated that Biman will utilize Indian airspace, just as Indian carriers already fly over Bangladesh.
“Our operations will follow the same airspace arrangements currently in place,” he said.
Aviation sources explained that Pakistani airlines are unlikely to operate flights to Bangladesh for now, as India continues to impose airspace restrictions on Pakistani aircraft.
These limitations leave no practical route for Pakistan’s carriers to reach Dhaka, even though Bangladesh’s national airline can operate flights in the opposite direction.
Earlier, some reports had suggested that Mahan Air might operate the route, but the high commissioner confirmed that this information was incorrect.
“It is Biman Bangladesh Airlines that will fly to Karachi,” he clarified.
