Bangladesh’s top envoy in Islamabad has confirmed that his country is preparing to launch direct air connectivity with Pakistan after a long gap.
High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan said that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate three weekly flights to Karachi, marking a significant step toward renewing bilateral travel links.
He gave the confirmation while speaking to The News on the sidelines of an address at the Foreign Services Academy on Wednesday. The academy recently began a lecture series that brings foreign diplomats into direct discussion with trainee officers.
When asked about the planned route, the high commissioner said the flights would use Indian airspace, noting that Indian carriers already fly over Bangladesh and Biman would operate under the same arrangements.
He added that the service aims to facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Sources familiar with regional aviation developments said Pakistan’s carriers are unlikely to launch flights to Dhaka soon due to India’s continued airspace restrictions on Pakistan. Those limitations have left no viable route for Pakistani airlines to reach Bangladesh.
Earlier, APP, quoting the high commissioner, had reported that Mahan Air would operate the flights. However, it has now been clarified that Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate the Karachi route.