Bangladesh resumes Dhaka–Karachi direct flights from Jan 29

Bangladesh's flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, will restart direct air links with Pakistan starting January 29, operating twice a week on the Dhaka–Karachi route. The schedule targets Thursdays and Saturdays, with the Dhaka leg departing at 8:00 p.m. local time and arriving in Karachi at 11:00 p.m. The return flight is slated to depart Karachi at 12:00 midnight and reach Dhaka at 4:20 a.m., according to the airline. This direct service aims to simplify travel between the two nations, reducing the need for connecting flights through hubs like Dubai or Doha.

The flight over the Indian airspace covers roughly 2,370 kilometres, and it is not yet known whether Bangladesh has secured the necessary overflight clearance from New Delhi. Pakistani authorities have indicated approval for the route and the use of designated air corridors within Pakistani airspace, pending formal arrangements on the broader air-travel permissions required. The restart marks the first direct Dhaka–Karachi service since 2012, ending a long period of indirect connectivity between the two capitals.

The move comes amid a warming of ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, with both sides taking steps in recent months to rebuild diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people links after years of strained relations. In a related note, Pakistan has indicated that Bangladesh reportedly expressed potential interest in procuring JF-17 fighter jets, reflecting a broader sense of strategic cooperation being discussed beyond aviation.

Experts say the new route could boost travel and business ties, facilitate easier movement for diasporas, and enhance regional connectivity. Still, observers cautioned that flight permissions and regulatory clearances, particularly with regards to airspace, will be critical to maintaining a reliable schedule and ensuring affordable fares for travelers.

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