Pakistan and Bangladesh restore direct air links after 14 years
The first flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport from Dhaka with 150 passengers on board. The aircraft landed, receiving a traditional welcome on the runway. A cake-cutting ceremony was held at the airport, attended by Sindh Governor.
Sindh Governor hailed the occasion as historic, noting Pakistan’s diplomatic successes and expressed hope that this positive momentum would continue. He described Pakistan and Bangladesh as brotherly nations, stating India had attempted to create divisions but ultimately failed, particularly through efforts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier, a ceremony was held at Dhaka International Airport to inaugurate the flight’s departure. Officials announced plans to increase future flight frequencies and reduce airfares. Adviser for Civil Aviation and Tourism Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority and Biman Bangladesh Airlines were present.
High Commissioner Imran Haider stated that the resumption of direct flights reflected the shared vision between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He added that this move would promote greater youth, educational, business, and family exchanges between the two countries.
Passengers on board welcomed the initiative as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.