Pakistani airline AirSial is set to launch flight operations to Bangladesh. The operations will start following a meeting between the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan and Chairman AirSial Fazal Jillani on Wednesday.
The High Commissioner visited AirSial’s corporate office where he was received by Chairman Jillani. During the meeting, both sides engaged in productive discussions on matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on strengthening bilateral ties through enhanced air connectivity.
Chairman Jillani apprised High Commissioner Khan that efforts are underway to complete the process as the airline is seeking the permission of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to start direct flight operations to Bangladesh.
On the other hand, both countries are looking forward to normalizing ties. Bangladesh Cricket Team will also be visiting Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Earlier, Pakistan’s low-cost airline, Fly Jinnah, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to operate direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka. This marks the resumption of air connectivity between the two cities after nearly a decade. The approval comes as both nations seek to enhance trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan confirmed the development, stating, “They (Fly Jinnah) applied to us, and we have approved it.” However, before flights can commence, Fly Jinnah must appoint a General Sales Agent (GSA) in Bangladesh, after which the airline will receive its flight slots and frequencies.
Read more: Fly Jinnah secures approval for direct Karachi-Dhaka flights
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was the last carrier to operate direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka until February 2015. Since then, passengers traveling between the two countries have had to rely on connecting flights through other regional hubs. The return of direct flights is expected to ease travel for businesspeople, tourists, and the Bangladeshi diaspora in Pakistan.
The initiative followed an announcement by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hussain, who stated last week that direct flights would commence in the coming months. He also revealed that cargo flights linking Dhaka, Karachi, and Lahore would soon be introduced to boost bilateral trade.