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.
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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.
Historic Resumption of Air Travel
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 follows 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.
Expanding Economic Ties
The air connectivity agreement is part of broader economic cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. In addition to direct flights, a direct shipping route between Chittagong and Karachi is also in the works. Indian media reported that this maritime link would further facilitate trade and strengthen economic relations between the two nations.
Abdul Naser Khan, Additional Secretary at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, confirmed the approval, stating, “CAAB has approved Fly Jinnah’s proposal to operate direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan. We will soon sign an agreement to resume Dhaka-Karachi direct flights.”
A Shift in Bilateral Relations
Pakistan and Bangladesh share a complex history, having been part of the same country before Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. Relations between the two nations have been strained for decades, largely due to Dhaka’s strong ties with New Delhi. Under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh maintained a cautious approach toward Pakistan, aligning more closely with India.
However, recent political developments in Bangladesh have led to a thaw in relations. The ousting of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and the installation of interim leader Muhammad Yunus have paved the way for improved diplomatic and economic ties. In December 2024, Yunus met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss strengthening cooperation, signaling a shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
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Fly Jinnah, a budget airline operating primarily on domestic routes, is a joint venture between Pakistan’s Lakson Group and UAE-based Air Arabia. With this new route, the airline is expanding its international footprint, positioning itself as a key player in South Asia’s low-cost aviation sector.