Pakistan Grants Test Permission to Biman Airways for Direct Dhaka-Karachi Operations
Pakistan's civil aviation authorities have approved Bangladesh's Biman Airways to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi on a test basis until March 30. The decision follows improved bilateral relations after political changes in Bangladesh in August 2024. Flight details will be finalized next week, with operations conducted under Pakistan Civil Aviation rules, expected to boost trade and cultural ties.
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Pakistan's aviation authorities have granted permission to Bangladesh's national airline, Biman Airways, to commence direct flight operations between Dhaka and Karachi, marking a significant step in improving bilateral aviation connectivity.
Test Period Authorization
According to a report published in the Jang Newspaper on Friday, the permission has been issued on a test basis with validity extending until March 30. Civil aviation authority sources indicated that comprehensive details regarding flight schedules and operational procedures will be finalized within the next week.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Route: | Dhaka-Karachi |
| Airline: | Biman Airways (Bangladesh) |
| Permission Type: | Test basis |
| Validity Period: | Until March 30 |
| Regulatory Framework: | Pakistan Civil Aviation rules |
Operational Framework
Biman Airways will conduct its flight operations in accordance with Pakistan Civil Aviation rules and regulations. The airline's services will operate under the regulatory oversight of Pakistani aviation authorities during the test period.
Diplomatic Context
The aviation agreement represents the culmination of discussions between Pakistan and Bangladesh governments that began last year. These negotiations gained momentum following the improvement in bilateral relations after the departure of Sheikh Hasina Wajid from the position of Bangladesh Prime Minister in August 2024, following a civil uprising.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Pakistan, MD Hussain Khan, had recently confirmed that both countries were approaching the finalization of an agreement to permit direct flights between the two nations.
Expected Benefits
The direct flight connectivity is anticipated to generate multiple benefits for both countries:
- Enhanced trade opportunities
- Strengthened business relationships
- Improved cultural exchanges
- Increased people-to-people contacts
The resumption of direct aviation links between Dhaka and Karachi represents a practical step toward normalizing and strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
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