After a 14-year hiatus, direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed with the latter's inaugural national airline's flight landing at Jinnah International Airport Karachi on Thursday.
The flight, welcomed by officials, was offered a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Karachi airport.
According to Pakistan's High Commission in Dhaka, the fully booked flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
The inaugural flight was seen off by Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, and other senior officials, the High Commission said.
"The resumption of direct flight after a hiatus of 14 years marks a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity and bilateral engagement," it said.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bangladesh’s adviser for civil aviation and tourism underscored the significance of the Dhaka–Karachi route in enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism and strengthening P2P links.
He noted that the Bangladesh national airline would gradually increase flight frequency and reduce airfares to make travel more affordable for people. He expressed hope that people of Bangladesh will visit Pakistan and explore its natural beauty, cultural heritage and diverse cuisines.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s high commissioner recalled the vision of Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed at enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"In view of the vision of leadership and aspirations of the people of our two countries, during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka in August last year, both sides agreed to take immediate measures for the resumption of direct flights.
Relations between Bangladesh and Hasina's old ally India turned frosty after her ouster, while ties with Pakistan have warmed.
Cargo ships resumed sailing from Karachi to Bangladesh's key port of Chittagong in November 2024.
Trade has risen since then, and cultural ties have grown, with popular Pakistani singers performing in Dhaka, while Bangladeshi patients are travelling to Pakistan for medical care.
Direct flights were resumed following coordinated efforts by Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) under the directives of the prime minister and the Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, according to an official statement.
The resumption, officials said, was made possible after close engagement between Pakistan and the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority, as well as Bangladeshi airlines, including official visits to Dhaka.
The inaugural flight landed at Karachi at around 11pm with a flight time of three hours and 15 minutes, carrying 140 passengers. Officials said the passenger load was encouraging and cargo volumes were expected to increase significantly in the coming months.
Under the current arrangements, the Bangladeshi airline has been permitted to operate three flights per week, although it is presently operating two weekly services.
To facilitate the operations, PCAA and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) held multiple coordination meetings with the Bangladeshi side, focusing on ground handling arrangements, related charges, security requirements, bank guarantees and measures aimed at ensuring the commercial viability of airline operations.
The officials said the resumption marked a significant milestone after a prolonged break in air links between the two countries.
— With additional input from AFP
