When Will Direct Flights Connect Dhaka and Karachi Again?

The long-awaited Dhaka Karachi direct flights are expected to resume in January, according to a recent announcement. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, confirmed the likely start date on Sunday. This move is seen as a major step in improving diplomatic relations between the two SAARC member states.

High Commissioner Haider shared the update during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. The resumption of the direct air link will end a nearly decade-long gap in non-stop service between the two major cities. The previous direct service, operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), ceased operations in February 2015.

Airline and Route Details

Reports indicate that the Pakistani private carrier Fly Jinnah has already secured the necessary regulatory approval. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) reportedly granted approval for the airline to operate the Dhaka Karachi route. Fly Jinnah, a joint venture involving the UAE-based Air Arabia, is expected to finalize operational details soon. The lack of a direct connection has historically forced passengers to rely on one-stop flights via Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, served by carriers such as Emirates, or other regional transit points.

This new connectivity is a significant development for Pakistan Bangladesh aviation. It will drastically reduce travel time and complexity for business and leisure travelers. The route is crucial for regional connectivity, a key focus area for organizations like IATA.

Economic and Medical Impact

The launch of the Dhaka Karachi direct flights is closely tied to growing economic and cultural ties. High Commissioner Haider noted that bilateral trade and investment between the two countries recorded a 20 percent rise compared to the previous year. Business communities from both nations are actively exploring new investment opportunities.

• Trade Boost: Direct air cargo capacity will support the rising trade volume, which reached $865 million in FY2025.
• Medical Exchanges: The High Commissioner highlighted an increase in patients traveling to Pakistan for specialized medical procedures, such as liver and kidney transplants. The new flights will greatly facilitate this air travel medical exchanges.
• Educational Ties: There is also growing interest among Bangladeshi students in higher education in Pakistan, particularly in medical sciences.

Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed the growing engagement. He stressed the importance of boosting trade and identifying new areas for joint ventures. The move is a positive signal for regional cooperation and is closely monitored by the commercial aviation news sector, as covered by flying.flights. The anticipated January launch marks a major milestone in strengthening people-to-people and economic links. The specific aircraft type for the service, likely an Airbus A320 family jet based on Fly Jinnah's fleet, is expected to be announced with the flight schedule.