Biman Bangladesh Resumes Dhaka-Karachi Flights: Will India Grant Overflight Clearance?

The national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is preparing to relaunch a key regional route.

Dhaka-Karachi direct flights will resume on January 29. This restores non-stop air connectivity after a 12-year gap. The move signals improving diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Key Route Details and Schedule

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will initially operate two flights weekly. The service will run every Thursday and Saturday.

The flight will depart Dhaka at 8:00 pm local time. It is scheduled to arrive in Karachi at 11:00 pm. The return leg leaves Karachi at 12:00 midnight. It arrives back in Dhaka at 4:20 am.

The aerial distance between the two cities is about 2,370 kilometers. Officials expect the new route to boost business and tourism. It will also make family travel more convenient.

Currently, passengers rely on connecting flights. Travel often routes through hubs like Emirates' Dubai or Doha. These transit flights can take eight to twelve hours.

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority has already granted approval. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority cleared Biman for the route. This includes using designated air corridors within Pakistani airspace.

The Indian Airspace Clearance Question

The most critical operational hurdle remains. The shortest and most fuel-efficient route passes over Indian airspace. This is essential for the planned three-hour flight time.

Biman officials have stated the plane would fly over India. However, it is not yet confirmed if Indian airspace clearance is secured.

Geopolitical Impact on Air Travel

Overflight permissions from New Delhi are crucial. Without them, the route must be significantly longer. The flight would have to bypass India over the Arabian Sea. This would increase both flight time and operational costs. It would reduce the competitive advantage of the direct service.

One official reportedly claimed permission was granted. They stated Biman plans to use Indian air space. However, this information remains unverified by official sources. The operation of the service is contingent on this third-country approval.

• The shortest route requires New Delhi's approval.
• Lack of approval forces a costly, longer reroute.
• The Dhaka-Karachi flight resumption follows political changes in Bangladesh.

Industry and Passenger Impact

The resumption of Biman Bangladesh Dhaka-Karachi flights is a major development. It is a significant step forward in South Asia aviation routes. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses the need for open air connectivity. This route will directly challenge the current transit market. It offers passengers a faster, cheaper alternative.

Prior to this, fares had risen significantly. Direct flights offer substantial time savings. This is important for both business and leisure travel.

For Biman, the route marks an expansion. It is part of a strategy to optimize aircraft use. The successful launch of this route depends on resolving the overflight permissions New Delhi issue. This is a key story in commercial aviation news on flying.flights. The outcome will set a precedent for future regional air travel.