Will Direct Karachi–Dhaka Flights Restart in January After Years of Absence?

December 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM•2 min read

Direct Karachi–Dhaka flights are set to resume in January, reconnecting Pakistan and Bangladesh after years of reliance on connecting hubs, reflecting improved bilateral ties.

Key Points

1Direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka are expected to resume in January 2026 after nearly a decade.
2Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh has reportedly increased by about 20% compared to last year.
3The route restoration follows approvals for Pakistan's Fly Jinnah and plans by Biman Bangladesh Airlines to operate three weekly flights.

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to resume in January, officials have confirmed. The direct Karachi Dhaka flights will restore a vital air link after nearly a decade of reliance on indirect routes. This move reflects significantly improved bilateral relations and growing economic cooperation.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, announced the development. He shared the update during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, in Dhaka. Aviation authorities in both nations have authenticated the restart of flight services.

Route Restoration and Airline Plans

The Karachi Dhaka route restoration aims to simplify travel for passengers and businesses. Previously, travelers relied on connecting flights through major hubs. Cities like Dubai or Doha served as mandatory transit points. This often resulted in longer travel times and higher costs.

Reports indicate that the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) approved a proposal for the route earlier in the year. Pakistan’s private carrier, Fly Jinnah, was granted permission to operate the service. Additionally, Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to operate three weekly flights to Karachi. The Bangladeshi national carrier will use Indian airspace for the new service. The last direct flights were operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) around 2015.

Economic and Trade Impact

The new air connectivity is expected to boost trade tourism and cultural exchanges. High Commissioner Haider noted a significant economic uptick between the two countries. Bilateral trade has increased by approximately 20% compared to the previous year.

Opportunity: Direct flights will lower logistics costs and travel time.
Benefit: The service will strengthen people-to-people contacts and business ties.
Context: The decision follows the launch of a direct shipping line between Karachi and Chittagong port.

Industry Outlook

Restoring the Pakistan Bangladesh air link is a key step for regional connectivity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) consistently highlights the value of direct links for economic growth. The resumption offers a more competitive option than flying through hubs like those served by Emirates.

This development signals a renewed focus on South Asian regional cooperation. Success on this route could encourage more frequencies and new destinations. Aviation observers will monitor the route's performance closely. This is a positive sign for commercial aviation news in the region. Find more aviation news at flying.flights.