ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh’s national flag carrier, Biman Airlines, will resume direct passenger flights between Dhaka and Karachi today, Thursday, restoring nonstop air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan after a 14-year suspension, airline officials said.
The inaugural flight will depart Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:00 a.m. local time and arrive in Karachi at 11:00 a.m.
The return service is scheduled to depart Karachi at 12:00 a.m. and arrive in Dhaka at 4:20 a.m. the following day, according to the airline’s schedule.
The resumption of direct flights is being seen as a practical step toward improving people-to-people contact and strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Direct air links are expected to ease travel for business communities and families, signaling a modest but meaningful thaw in regional connectivity.
Airline officials said the response from travelers has been strong, with the inaugural service fully booked. “All tickets for the inaugural flight have been sold out, with no vacant seats available,” an official said.
Biman Airlines General Manager (Public Relations) Boshra Islam said the demand reflects renewed interest in direct travel between the two countries.
“The strong booking response shows significant interest among passengers,” Islam said, adding that “the second flight on the route is also almost fully booked.”
Biman Airlines plans to operate the Dhaka-Karachi-Dhaka route regularly as part of its international network expansion, the officials said.
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