Jinnah International Airport marked a significant diplomatic and aviation milestone on Thursday night as Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG341 touched down in Karachi, signaling the formal resumption of direct air travel between Pakistan and Bangladesh after 14 years.
The Arrival Ceremony
The inaugural flight, which departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8:15 PM and landed in Karachi at 11:03 PM, was received with a traditional water cannon salute by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). Senior officials, including Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority, were present to welcome the “fully packed” aircraft.
Direct flight between Pakistan & Bangladesh commenced today as Biman 🇧🇩 Airlines launched its inaugural flight from Dhaka to Karachi. The resumption of direct flight after a hiatus of 14 years marks a significant milestone in strengthening connectivity and bilateral engagement pic.twitter.com/v60KROfMaA
— Pakistan High Commission Bangladesh (@PakinBangladesh) January 29, 2026
Strengthening Connectivity and Cooperation
The PAA described the event as the beginning of a “new chapter” in the relationship between the two nations. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, addressing the press at the airport, emphasized that this cooperation would extend beyond aviation into trade, culture, and tourism.
“The love between Pakistan and Bangladesh will grow because I know that the Bangladeshi people love Pakistanis,” Governor Tessori stated. He further noted that the resumption of flights serves to defeat external conspiracies aimed at driving a wedge between the two peoples, advocating for a future defined by joint trade and mutual cooperation.
After 14x years, the skies of Brothers are connected once again 🇧🇩 🪽 🇵🇰
Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ first flight from Dhaka touched down in Karachi at Jinnah International Airport. Historic welcome was given to Biman International Airlines on its arrival at JIAP. pic.twitter.com/j4lk1iSzlX
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) January 30, 2026
Leadership Vision and Future Growth
The resumption follows a strategic agreement reached in August 2024 between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Bangladeshi leadership. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, credited the vision of Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for prioritizing connectivity.
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Key Highlights from the Launch
- Frequency & Affordability: Bangladesh’s Adviser for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Sheikh Bashiruddin, confirmed that flight frequencies will increase gradually, with a focus on reducing airfares to make travel accessible for families and tourists.
- Cultural Exchange: Officials expressed hope that the direct link will encourage Bangladeshi citizens to explore Pakistan’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
- People-to-People Links: Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed high enthusiasm, citing the direct route as a vital step in bringing the two communities closer.
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