By The South Asia Times

KARACHI - After a 14-year hiatus, Bangladesh and Pakistan on Thursday officially restored direct air connectivity, a move expected to strengthen trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between the two South Asian nations.

The inaugural flight from Dhaka landed at Karachi Airport at approximately 11:00 pm local time Thursday, receiving a traditional water salute. Passengers and crew were warmly welcomed by airport officials, marking the historic reopening of the route.

"A new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh friendship! Air connectivity has been restored after 14 years, highlighted by a high-level reception at Karachi Airport," the Pakistan Airports Authority said in a statement.

The service, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, launched on the Dhaka–Karachi–Dhaka route with flight BG-341 departing Dhaka at 8:00 pm local time. Non-stop flights under the winter schedule will operate every Thursday and Saturday using a 162-seat Boeing 737, covering the 1,471-mile journey in about three hours, according to Anadolu Agency.

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, addressed the reopening ceremony alongside Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, and Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

Direct flights between the two nations were suspended in 2012 due to “security” concerns. Relations have improved following the August 2024 political changes in Bangladesh, which saw the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. High-level discussions and visits, including Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s trip to Dhaka in August 2025—the first such visit in 13 years—paved the way for the resumption of flights.

In recent months, Bangladesh lifted visa restrictions for Pakistani officials for the first time since 1971, while Pakistan announced 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students and training programs for 100 civil servants over the next five years.

Bosra Islam, general manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ public relations department, confirmed that all tickets for the inaugural flight were sold, with more than 80% of seats for the second flight already booked.

Previously, travelers were forced to transit through Middle Eastern hubs, adding time and cost. Officials expressed optimism that the renewed direct flights will enhance communication, boost trade, and open new opportunities for tourism and business between the two nations.