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Pakistan-Bangladesh Direct Flights Resume After 14-Year Hiatus

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed after a suspension lasting 14 years. The inaugural Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Dhaka to Karachi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival. Officials from both nations stated the route is intended to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and strengthen bilateral people-to-people ties. The resumption follows high-level discussions and an agreement made during a diplomatic visit to Dhaka in August of the previous year.

Key Points: Direct Flights Resume Between Pakistan and Bangladesh

  • Flight landed in Karachi after 14-year gap
  • Route aims to boost tourism and connectivity
  • Both sides agreed to resume flights last year
  • Airlines plan to increase frequency and reduce fares
2 min read

Pakistan-Bangladesh direct flights resume after 14 years

After 14 years, direct air connectivity resumes between Pakistan and Bangladesh, aiming to boost tourism and people-to-people links.

"enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism and strengthening people-to-people links - Bangladesh's adviser for civil aviation and tourism"

Karachi, January 30

Direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed after a gap of 14 years, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines operating its inaugural Dhaka-Karachi flight, Dawn reported.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said in a statement that the Bangladeshi carrier landed at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on Thursday night, after more than a decade and received a traditional water cannon salute on arrival.

Flight tracking data cited by Dawn showed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG341 arrived in Karachi at 11:03 pm after departing Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:15 pm.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said cooperation with Bangladesh would extend beyond aviation to other sectors.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's High Commission in Dhaka said the "fully packed" inaugural flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and was seen off by Bangladesh Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider and other officials, Dawn reported.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Bangladesh's adviser for civil aviation and tourism said the Dhaka-Karachi route was aimed at "enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism and strengthening people-to-people links". The statement quoted him as saying, "Bangladesh Airlines will gradually increase flight frequency and reduce airfares to make travel more affordable for the people."

During the ceremony, Pakistan's high commissioner referred to discussions between Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim leader, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding air connectivity.

"In view of the vision of the leadership and aspirations of the people of our two countries, during the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka in August last year, both sides agreed to take immediate measures for the resumption of direct flights," the statement quoted him as saying.

Earlier this month, both countries announced plans to resume direct flight operations following a 14-year suspension, Dawn reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
After 14 years! It's about time. So many families were separated and had to take long, expensive routes via Dubai or Delhi. This will be a huge relief for the Bangladeshi and Pakistani diaspora. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Good step for them, but from an Indian perspective, our focus should remain on strengthening our own ties with Bangladesh, which are far more crucial for our security and economic interests in the region.
S
Sarah B
While I welcome any move that makes travel easier for people, I do hope this renewed connectivity is used for building genuine people-to-people bonds and tourism, and not for any other agendas. The region needs peace.
V
Vikram M
"Fully packed" inaugural flight shows the pent-up demand was always there. Governments sometimes create artificial barriers that hurt common people the most. Hope they keep their promise to reduce fares soon.
K
Karthik V
As an Indian, I have a respectful criticism. Our media often frames every Pakistan move with suspicion. Sometimes, a flight is just a flight. Let's not read too much into everything. Normal relations between neighbors are good for stability.
N
Nisha Z
Direct flights mean cheaper hajj and umrah travel for many Bangladeshi Muslims via Pakistan. It's a practical benefit that matters to real people. More

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