On January 9, 2026, Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the restart of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi, with the first service set for January 29. This marks the return of regular passenger flights after a gap since 2012. The route will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Saturdays, using Boeing 737 aircraft. Departures from Dhaka are planned for 8:00 pm local time, arriving in Karachi at 11:00 pm, with return flights leaving Karachi at midnight and reaching Dhaka at 4:20 am. Travelers currently rely on connecting flights through Gulf cities like Dubai or Doha, which add time and cost. The resumption aims to ease business travel, tourism, and family visits between the two nations. It follows recent improvements in ties, including resumed cargo shipping and high-level visits. This step signals a broader thaw in relations that had stayed distant for years. As Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus leads the country toward elections in February, such moves highlight shifting dynamics in South Asia. The question now is how this reconnection could strengthen economic and people-to-people links.
What Historical Factors Led to the Long Break in Direct Flights?
Direct air services between Dhaka and Karachi ended in 2012, following years of limited civil aviation contact. Before that, both countries operated flights, but tensions from historical events kept connections minimal. Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a war that caused deep divisions. For decades, relations remained strained, with little progress on key issues like trade or travel. During Sheikh Hasina’s long rule from 2009 to 2024, ties stayed cool due to her close alignment with India and focus on other priorities. Passenger travel required indirect routes, often through Middle Eastern hubs, making journeys longer and more expensive. Cargo and trade also faced barriers, relying on indirect paths.
The 2012 suspension reflected broader diplomatic distance. No major efforts restarted flights during that period, as political differences overshadowed practical needs. Travelers, including families with roots in both countries, faced inconvenience. Business people and tourists found opportunities limited. This gap lasted over 13 years, until recent changes opened the door for revival. The pause in direct links mirrored wider challenges in bilateral relations, where historical grievances and regional politics slowed cooperation. Now, with a new political landscape in Bangladesh after the 2024 uprising and Hasina’s exit, practical steps like flights become possible. This history shows how political shifts can unlock long-delayed connections, benefiting ordinary people.
How Have Recent Diplomatic Changes Made This Resumption Possible?
Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan improved markedly after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024 amid widespread protests. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus adopted a more balanced foreign policy, seeking broader ties. This created space for engagement with Pakistan. In August 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka and met Yunus, marking a key step. Discussions covered trade, culture, and connectivity. Cargo ships resumed direct sailings from Karachi to Chittagong port in November 2024, boosting trade volumes. This sea link served as a foundation for air services.
High-level visits continued. Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker attended Khaleda Zia’s funeral in Dhaka in December 2025, showing respect. Pakistan’s High Commissioner expressed hope for flights in January during a meeting with Yunus last month. These interactions built trust and addressed practical issues like airspace use. Pakistan granted approval for Biman to operate and use designated corridors. Bilateral trade grew, with cultural exchanges like Pakistani performers in Dhaka and Bangladeshi patients seeking medical care in Pakistan. This momentum reflects a deliberate effort to move past old divides. The interim period, ahead of February 12 elections, allows focus on economic benefits without full political commitments. Parallel views note that warmer ties could influence regional balance, including views on India. Yet the focus remains on mutual gains from better connectivity.
What Benefits Could Direct Flights Bring to People and Economies?
The new route promises practical advantages. It cuts travel time from 10-15 hours with connections to about three hours direct. This helps families reunite more easily, as many have ties across borders from pre-1971 times. Business travel becomes simpler and cheaper, encouraging trade. Tourism could grow, with people exploring cultural and historical sites. Medical and educational exchanges may increase, building on recent trends.
Economically, the flights support rising trade. Cargo resumption in 2024 already lifted volumes, and air links add speed for goods and people. Biman’s twice-weekly service starts modestly, with potential for more if demand rises. Pakistan International Airlines might consider reciprocal steps later. Broader regional context includes Asia’s growing connectivity needs. This step aligns with efforts for stronger South Asian links, despite past challenges.
Challenges remain, such as aircraft availability—Biman paused some routes like Dhaka-Manchester to free planes. Yet the launch shows commitment. As services begin, monitoring demand and safety will guide expansion.
The resumption of Dhaka-Karachi flights connects a practical need to a changing political landscape. From a 14-year pause rooted in history to today’s warmer ties, this development links past divisions to present opportunities. It offers tangible benefits for travel, trade, and understanding between Bangladesh and Pakistan. As the first flight takes off on January 29, it could mark the start of deeper cooperation, with wider effects on regional stability and growth in the coming years.
