Direct flight operations between Dhaka and Karachi are set to resume this Thursday (January 28) after a hiatus of 14 years. The removal of transit stops is expected to significantly reduce travel time and save passengers a minimum of 30,000 BDT. National carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines will initially operate flights on this route twice a week.
The official commencement of these non-stop Dhaka-Karachi-Dhaka flights is being viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the foundational ties between the two nations.
General passengers have expressed excitement over the resumption of flights to Pakistan. "Many have dreamed of visiting Pakistan to see the country firsthand," one traveler noted. "Restarting air connectivity will not only boost tourism but also improve bilateral trade and business relations."
Operational Details
Biman will deploy a 162-seater Boeing 737 aircraft for the 1,471-mile journey. Initially, flights are scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays. The airline has already seen an overwhelming response, with the inaugural flight fully booked.
Boshra Islam, General Manager of Public Relations at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, confirmed the high demand. "Every seat for the first flight has been sold, and more than 80% of seats for the second flight are already booked," she said.
"Previously, travelers had to endure long layovers. Now, the journey will be completed in under three hours, offering a hassle-free and rapid travel experience."
Economic and Strategic Impact
Pakistan generates between $30 billion and $40 billion in annual revenue from its tourism sector. Experts believe the Dhaka-Karachi route holds significant commercial and strategic value beyond just leisure travel.
Kazi Wahidul Alam, aviation expert and editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, highlighted the broader implications: "There is immense potential for social, economic, and political relations to improve. This connectivity will not only be profitable for passenger transport but also opens up vast opportunities for cargo shipping."
Background
Flight operations on the Dhaka-Karachi route were suspended in 2012 due to security concerns. For over a decade, travelers were forced to use transit hubs in the Middle East, such as Dubai or Doha, which was both time-consuming and expensive. Under the new direct service, round-trip fares will start as low as 51,000 BDT, saving passengers between 30,000 and 70,000 BDT.
