Biman Bangladesh gets permission to restart Dhaka-Karachi direct flights

January 2, 2026 at 08:37 AM•2 min read

Biman Bangladesh has received permission from Pakistan's aviation authorities to begin direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi on a test basis until March 30, boosting South Asian

Key Points

1Pakistan issued permission to Biman Bangladesh Airlines for direct Dhaka-Karachi flights, confirmed by Pakistani media on Friday.
2The operation is on a test basis, initially scheduled until March 30, 2026, with details to be finalized next week.
3The new air link aims to boost trade, business, and cultural ties, following warming relations and increased sea trade between the two South Asian nations since late 2024.
4The approval follows a separate decision allowing Britain’s Norse Atlantic to operate direct flights to Islamabad from three UK cities.

Pakistan's aviation authorities granted permission for new flights. This allows Biman Bangladesh Airlines to begin direct operations. The route connects Dhaka and Karachi. This move is a major step for resuming direct flights between the two nations.

Key Details of the New Air Route

The permission is granted on a test basis. This trial period lasts until March 30, 2026. Details for flight schedules will be finalized soon. Biman must operate under Pakistan Civil Aviation rules. The airline must also use designated air routes. Full flight details must be shared in advance.

Currently, travelers must use connecting flights. They often transit through hubs like Dubai or Doha. The new Dhaka Karachi air route will ease travel.

Geopolitical and Commercial Context

The decision follows warming bilateral relations. Discussions to restart the air route began last year. This followed a political shift in August 2024. The Bangladesh Ambassador confirmed a deal was close. The new air link will boost trade business and cultural ties. It will also increase people-to-people contacts.

Islamabad seeks closer ties with Dhaka. Both South Asian nations commerce began sea trade in late 2024. Efforts followed to expand government-to-government commerce. A cargo vessel sailed directly in February 2025. This was the first such trip in decades. Six agreements were signed last August. These cover trade cooperation and cultural exchanges. A cargo agreement was also signed in November 2025. This partnership aims to simplify logistics for high-value goods.

Broader Aviation Market

Pakistan is also expanding other air links. Islamabad recently allowed Britain’s Norse Atlantic to operate. The airline will fly direct to Islamabad. Routes include London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The airline will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif commented on this. He said more international airlines to Pakistan will increase competition. This should lead to better service and balanced fares. Major carriers like Emirates benefit from open skies policies. This is a positive trend for commercial aviation news globally. The new Biman flights signal market confidence. The trial under Pakistan Civil Aviation rules is a first step. For more updates on global air routes, check our aviation news. (https://flying.flights) The IATA often highlights how new air links drive economic growth. This is vital for South Asian trade.