In a move reflecting growing ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has approved the operation of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi by Pakistani private airline Air Sial.
CAAB Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan confirmed that a formal order will be issued soon. Once finalized, a General Sales Agent (GSA) will be appointed, and flight slot applications will proceed.
Once operational, Air Sial will provide Bangladeshi travelers access not only to Pakistan but also international destinations via Pakistani transit points.
This development follows the revival of a proposal by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) during a meeting with Bangladesh&rsquo;s Advisor for Travel and Tourism, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, in January. The FPCCI president highlighted the hurdles in trade and travel caused by visa issues and the lack of direct flights, urging greater connectivity.
The meeting also explored bilateral trade, simplified visa processes, investment opportunities, and future direct flight operations. The Pakistani delegation expressed interest in Bangladesh&rsquo;s agriculture, education, tourism, and ceramics sectors, and invited Bangladeshi businesses to invest in Pakistan under its export facilitation scheme. Plans for a trade expo in Bangladesh were also discussed.
Previously, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operated direct flights to Bangladesh until 2018, ceasing operations due to financial losses. In February 2025, CAAB had already approved Fly Jinnah to fly the Karachi-Dhaka route.
Bangladesh&rsquo;s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, stated that Air Sial could begin flights to Dhaka within two months, pending final approvals.
This renewed aviation engagement comes amid a shift in Dhaka-Islamabad relations following the change in Bangladesh&rsquo;s leadership after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024.

Growing ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan

Air Sial becomes the second Pakistani airline in 2025 to receive Dhaka’s approval, signaling improved Bangladesh-Pakistan relations and growing trade ambitions

Bangladesh Approves Air Sial for Direct Dhaka-Karachi Flights

Air Sial becomes the second Pakistani airline in 2025 to receive Dhaka’s approval, signaling improved Bangladesh-Pakistan relations and growing trade ...

May 20, 2025 | 22:35 IST

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