An international carrier is set to expand its direct flights to Pakistan after receiving fresh approval from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been cleared to operate three weekly flights, adding a third direct service on the Dhaka–Karachi route. The airline is expected to assess passenger volume, market demand, and other commercial considerations before locking in the added frequency.
Right now, Biman is operating two weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi using a Boeing 737.
The expansion comes just days after direct air travel between Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed following a long suspension. On January 29, Biman operated its first Dhaka-to-Karachi flight in 14 years, landing at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport where it received a traditional water cannon salute.
Officials in Karachi described the return of the route as an important step for improving links between the two countries. Flight tracking data showed the inaugural flight BG341 arrived in Karachi at 11:03pm after departing Dhaka at 8:15pm.
In Dhaka, the departure was marked as a major milestone as well. The inaugural flight left from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and was seen off by senior officials, including Bangladesh’s civil aviation and tourism adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, along with other representatives.
During the launch ceremony, Bangladesh’s aviation leadership highlighted the route’s role in boosting connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people contact. The adviser also indicated that Biman aims to gradually increase flight frequency and reduce fares to make travel more affordable.
Pakistan’s high commissioner, meanwhile, linked the relaunch to the broader push by both sides to strengthen ties and said earlier discussions had included immediate steps to restart direct flights.
Passengers travelling on the first flight reportedly welcomed the restoration of the air link, calling it a meaningful development for bringing the two countries closer.
