Biman Bangladesh Airlines Restores Direct Dhaka-Karachi Flights After 14 Years

Bangladesh’s national carrier is restoring a key regional air link. Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume its direct service between Dhaka and Karachi on January 29. This move ends a 14-year halt in Bangladesh Pakistan direct connectivity. The Dhaka to Karachi air service was last operated in 2012.

Improving Air Connectivity

Travelers currently face long journeys between the two cities. They must use connecting flights through major Gulf hubs. These hubs include cities like Dubai or Doha. This indirect travel adds significant time and expense. Transit flights often take eight to twelve hours. Some routings can extend the journey up to 22 hours. The new nonstop Dhaka Karachi route will offer a far more convenient option.

Key Service Details

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will initially operate the route twice weekly. Flights are scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays. The airline plans to use modern aircraft from its fleet. This includes models from manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. According to the proposed Dhaka Karachi flight schedule, the flight will leave Dhaka at 8:00 p.m. local time.

Operational Approval and Challenges

The relaunch received formal clearance from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. This approval allows Biman to use designated air corridors. However, a key operational detail remains unclear. The shortest route passes through Indian airspace. It is not yet confirmed if overflight permission from India has been secured.

Diplomatic and Economic Significance

This resumption is seen as a major step in aviation diplomacy Bangladesh Pakistan. It follows a period of warming diplomatic ties between the two nations. Relations had been strained under the former government. High-level visits and increased dialogue paved the way for the service.

Direct air links are vital for economic cooperation. Cargo connections have already seen a boost. Shipping between Karachi and Bangladesh’s Chittagong port resumed in late 2024. This new air travel South Asia link will support business, tourism, and family travel. Industry bodies like IATA stress the importance of such regional connectivity. Passengers will no longer rely solely on long transit times through carriers like Emirates or Qatar Airways. For more commercial aviation news, visit our website.