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Dhaka: In a major development at the start of the new year 2026, Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to restore direct air connectivity, marking a significant breakthrough in civil aviation ties between the two countries, sources said.
Pakistan has granted permission to Bangladesh’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi. According to sources, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued approval allowing Biman to launch direct operations on the Dhaka–Karachi route.
Officials said the approval was granted following consent from the federal government, after which the Director General of CAA formally authorized the Bangladeshi airline to operate flights to Karachi.
Initially, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been allowed to operate these direct flights for a three-month period, up to March 30, 2026, on a trial basis, according to CAA sources.
The airline has also been permitted to use Pakistan’s airspace via approved routes. CAA sources confirmed that Biman Air will be required to operate strictly on designated routes within Pakistan’s airspace.
In addition, slot allocation at Karachi Airport has been approved for the Bangladeshi carrier. CAA sources said Biman Air will be required to provide complete flight details to Karachi Airport management prior to departure from Dhaka.
The restoration of direct air links is expected to provide a significant boost to the aviation sectors of both Pakistan and Bangladesh. Sources added that the resumption of direct flights will benefit trade, people-to-people contacts, and government-level engagements between the two countries.
The move is being seen as one of the most important aviation developments between Pakistan and Bangladesh in recent years.
