Will India Grant Biman Bangladesh Overflight Rights for Dhaka-Karachi Route?
Key Points
- 1Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume direct Dhaka-Karachi flights on January 29 after a decade-long halt.
- 2The 2,300-kilometer direct route requires Indian overflight clearance; denial forces a 5,800-kilometer, eight-hour detour.
- 3India's decision hinges on the 1978 Air Services Agreement, which allows for the suspension of overflight rights.
- 4A detour could nearly double passenger fares and significantly increase airline operational costs.
Bangladesh’s flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is set to resume direct flights to Pakistan. The Biman Bangladesh Dhaka-Karachi flight is scheduled to begin on January 29. This new service marks the end of a decade-long suspension in non-stop air links. It follows a period of improving diplomatic ties between Dhaka and Islamabad.
The Critical Overflight Decision
The viability of this new route now rests with New Delhi. The most direct path between Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport crosses Indian airspace. This short route covers approximately 2,300 kilometers and takes about three hours. However, India and Pakistan maintain a ban on using each other's airspace for their own carriers. The question is whether India will grant an exception for a third-party airline like Biman Bangladesh.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated the matter will be handled under the 1978 Air Services Agreement (ASA). This bilateral air services pact governs air travel between India and Bangladesh. The ASA grants overflight rights to designated airlines. Yet, it also allows India to suspend these rights after consultation. As of early January 2026, it is not immediately known if New Delhi has granted the necessary India overflight rights clearance.
Operational and Financial Impact of a Detour
Denial of overflight permission would force a massive Dhaka-Karachi flight detour. The aircraft would have to circumnavigate the Indian peninsula. This alternative route stretches the journey to over 5,800 kilometers. The flight time would increase from roughly three hours to nearly eight hours. This change significantly impacts the airline's operational efficiency and costs.
- Distance: 2,300 km (Direct) vs. over 5,800 km (Detour)
- Flight Time: ~3 hours (Direct) vs. ~8 hours (Detour)
- Passenger Fares: Direct flights are estimated at $340-$420 USD. The long detour could push fares to $640-$720 USD or more due to higher fuel consumption and crew costs. IATA principles emphasize efficiency for global air travel.
This detour would make the direct service economically uncompetitive. Passengers currently rely on connecting flights through hubs like Dubai or Doha. These indirect journeys already take 12 to 22 hours. The direct flight’s main appeal is the massive time saving.
The Geopolitical Context
The resumption of direct flights comes amid a shift in India-Bangladesh relations. Ties have been strained since the political change in Dhaka in August 2024. Conversely, Dhaka and Islamabad have strengthened their engagement. The new air link is seen as a key step in boosting South Asia air connectivity and trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
For the airline, securing the short route is critical. Without it, the new bi-weekly service may not be sustainable. Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates a mixed fleet, including Boeing 777-300ERs. Longer flight times mean higher fuel burn and increased maintenance cycles. The international legal framework, including rules from the ICAO, supports freedom of the air. However, bilateral agreements like the 1978 ASA ultimately govern specific overflight permissions.
Ultimately, New Delhi’s decision on the India overflight rights will determine the success of this new route. The choice involves balancing a legal obligation with current geopolitical sensitivities in the region. The aviation industry watches this development closely for its implications on regional commercial aviation news commercial aviation news.
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