Pakistan has granted Biman Bangladesh Airlines approval to operate direct passenger flights between Dhaka and Karachi, marking a significant step toward strengthening aviation links between the two countries.
Sources within the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan (CAA) said the approval was issued after formal government clearance. Following this, the Director General of the CAA authorised the commencement of direct operations on the Dhaka–Karachi route.
According to officials, the Bangladeshi carrier has initially received permission to operate the service for three months, valid until March 30, 2026. The arrangement will be reviewed before any extension is considered.
The CAA confirmed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will be allowed to use Pakistan’s airspace along approved routes. The airline must strictly follow designated flight paths while operating within Pakistani airspace and comply with all applicable aviation regulations.
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has approved operation of Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights between Dhaka and Karachi.
Karachi Airport slots have been allocated to Biman flights.
Biman intends to operate twice-a-week flights between Dhaka and Karachi with Boeing 737-800. pic.twitter.com/rLHJNRcqYg
— Pakistan Aviation News 🇵🇰 (@avpak3) January 1, 2026Slot approval has also been granted at Jinnah International Airport, enabling the airline to schedule its flights. Authorities said the carrier must share complete flight details with airport management in advance to ensure smooth coordination.
Aviation officials described the decision as a positive development for the aviation sectors of both Pakistan and Bangladesh. They said the move is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate travel, and support broader economic and people-to-people ties.
Read: Bangladesh to Launch Direct Flights to Karachi
The approval comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have shown signs of improvement following recent political developments in Dhaka. Diplomatic observers note that renewed engagement could enable deeper cooperation in trade, transport, and regional connectivity.
In November 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal delivered a high-profile verdict against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid. The court handed down a life sentence on charges of crimes against humanity. It imposed the death penalty over killings linked to the uprising, a verdict delivered in her absence after she fled to India in August 2024. The ruling remains subject to appeal before the Supreme Court.
