Pakistan has granted permission to Bangladesh’s national carrier, Biman Airways, to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi on a trial basis, marking a significant step in the gradual normalisation of relations between the two countries.
According to a report published by Pakistan’s Jang newspaper on Friday (January 2, 2026), the approval will remain valid until March 30.
Why will Biman Airways comply with Pakistan aviation rules?
Citing sources in Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the report said that the final details of flight schedules and operational modalities are expected to be completed by next week.
Biman Airways will conduct the services in accordance with Pakistan’s civil aviation regulations during the trial period.
How did Pakistan convince Bangladesh to restart aviation ties?
The move follows months of diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Dhaka over the resumption of direct air connectivity, which has remained suspended for years amidst strained bilateral ties, rooted in the historical genocidal attacks on Bangladesh since 1947 and the resultant 1971 liberation war.
Relations began to improve after the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid in August 2024, following a mass civil uprising that led to a political reset in Dhaka.
What is expected by Bangladesh and Pakistan from the aviation services?
Earlier this week, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Pakistan, M. D. Hussain Khan, confirmed that both sides were close to finalising an agreement on direct flights. He noted that restoring air links would help boost trade, business travel, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.
Strategic analysts see the Dhaka–Karachi route as a confidence-building measure that could pave the way for broader engagement between the two South Asian nations after decades of diplomatic coolness.