Bangladesh: Yunus administration gives green signal to another Pakistani airline to operate from Dhaka

IANS May 20, 2025 263 views

Bangladesh has granted Air Sial permission to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi, marking a significant diplomatic and economic milestone. The decision comes after sustained efforts by Pakistani business chambers to improve connectivity and trade relations. Under the Yunus administration, bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan are experiencing a notable warming trend. This development opens new opportunities for passenger travel and potential cross-border business investments.

"Pakistani businesses are keen to invest and expand trade with Bangladesh" - FPCCI President
Dhaka, May 20: In yet another significant development highlighting the growing bonhomie between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has granted permission to another private Pakistani airline, Air Sial, to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi.

Key Points

1

Air Sial receives permission for direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi

2

Bilateral trade and investment prospects improving

3

CAAB signals new era of connectivity

4

Yunus administration facilitates diplomatic engagement

CAAB Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan was quoted by the local media as saying that a formal order will be issued later on Tuesday after which the ministry will appoint a General Sales Agent (GSA) and apply for flight slots.

Once operational, Air Sial flights will allow Bangladeshi passengers to not only travel to Pakistan but also transit through the country to other international destinations, bdnews24.com reported.

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) had formally revived the proposal for operating direct flights during a meeting with Bangladesh's Advisor for Travel and Tourism Sheikh Bashir Uddin in Dhaka on January 12, earlier this year.

"Pakistani businesses are keen to invest and expand trade with Bangladesh. However, challenges such as visa complications and the lack of direct flights have created barriers," the FPCCI President said.

During the meeting, issues related to bilateral trade between the two countries, simplification of visa procedures, launching of direct flight operations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and future investment prospects were discussed in detail.

The Pakistani business delegation had expressed its interest in investing in agricultural production and marketing, education, tourism and ceramic sectors in Bangladesh. It also invited the Bangladeshi business delegation to invest in Pakistan under export facilitation scheme of the Pakistani government while stating that a trade expo will soon be organised in Bangladesh.

The last Pakistani airline to fly directly to Bangladesh was Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) which ceased operations on the route in 2018 due to low booking rates and financial losses.

Earlier in February, CAAB had approved Fly Jinnah to operate direct flights on the Karachi-Dhaka route.

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported that Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain had said that, if approved, Air Sial may be able to commence flights to Dhaka within two months.

The prospect of renewed direct flights gained momentum under the current administration led by Muhammad Yunus following a shift in Dhaka-Islamabad relations after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024.

Reader Comments

R
Rajiv K.
Interesting development. While improved connectivity is good for regional trade, we must watch if this leads to increased Pak influence in Bangladesh. Our eastern neighbor's strategic choices matter for India's security. Hope they maintain balance in foreign relations.
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Priya M.
More flight options are always welcome for travelers! 😊 But I wonder why Bangladeshis would choose to transit through Pakistan when better options exist via Delhi/Dubai. Maybe fares will be cheaper? Still, hope this improves people-to-people connections in South Asia.
A
Amit S.
The economic angle makes sense - Bangladesh's growing economy is attractive for Pak businesses. But history tells us to be cautious about Pak's intentions. Remember how they treated Bangladesh in 1971? Hope Dhaka maintains strong economic ties with India too.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who frequently travels to Dhaka for work, I'm concerned about security implications. Pak airlines have had safety issues in recent years. Hope CAAB conducts proper safety audits before allowing operations. Safety should come before politics!
V
Vikram J.
Bangladesh is a sovereign nation and can make its own choices. But as an Indian, I hope our government responds by improving air connectivity between our countries too. The Delhi-Dhaka route needs more flights and better pricing!
N
Neha P.
The timing is interesting - right after the government change in Bangladesh. Hope this doesn't affect the wonderful cultural ties we share with our Bangla brothers/sisters. At the end of the day, we're all part of the same South Asian family ❤️

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Tags:
Bangladesh Pakistan Air Sial Muhammad Yunus Civil Aviation Bilateral Relations Direct Flights