ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has allowed Biman Bangladesh Airlines to start flights between Dhaka and Karachi, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said Friday. This move comes as ties between the two countries improve.
Pakistan and Bangladesh were once a single nation. They split in 1971 after a bloody civil war. East Pakistan seceded to become Bangladesh.
Relations have warmed since former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fell from power. Hasina was seen as close to India and critical of Pakistan. Her departure followed a student-led uprising in August 2024.
Pakistan has worked to strengthen ties with Dhaka in recent months. In late 2024, the two countries began sea trade. They also moved to expand government-to-government commerce.
A PCAA spokesperson said, “Pakistan has granted Biman initial permission for three months, up to March 26, to operate flights between Dhaka and Karachi.” The period could be extended.
The approval restores direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
In November 2025, privatized Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) signed a cargo agreement with Biman. The deal aims to streamline air freight and boost trade. A PIA spokesperson said it is part of their strategy to expand cargo services and offer competitive options.
Pakistan has increased efforts to rebuild relations with Bangladesh. Ties between Dhaka and New Delhi remain strained. India granted asylum to Hasina after she fled Bangladesh.
In February 2025, a cargo vessel sailed directly from Pakistan to Bangladesh for the first time in decades. The vessel successfully unloaded containers, port officials said.
Last August, the two countries signed six agreements. They cover visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders, trade, media, and cultural exchanges.
Separately, Islamabad allowed Britain’s Norse Atlantic to operate flights to Pakistan. The airline will fly directly from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad.
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Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said, “Increasing international airlines in Pakistan will create competition, improve service, and balance fares.”
