Dhaka-Karachi direct flights resume after 14-year hiatus

• "Fully booked" Dhaka–Karachi flight lands at Jinnah airport.
• Route to boost connectivity, tourism and people-to-people ties.
• Bangladesh national airline to gradually reduce airfares: official.
  

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed after 14 years as the latter’s national airline's inaugural flight landed 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.

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.

With additional input from AFP