### Bangladesh and Pakistan Reconnect: Direct Flights Resuming After 14-Year Hiatus After more than a decade of disrupted air travel, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to resume direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi starting January 29, 2026. This significant development follows a period of warming diplomatic relations, which have been bolstered by recent cultural and trade exchanges. The announcement was made by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which will operate the flights twice weekly, marking the first regular air service between the two nations since 2012. The resumption of these flights is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitating business travel, tourism, and family reunions, as current travelers have been relying on connecting flights through Gulf hubs like Dubai and Doha [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/bangladesh-pakistan-direct-flights-resume-5845826][https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/business/2026/01/08/direct-bangladesh-pakistan-flights-to-resume-after-14-years]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Resumption** - Announcement of direct flights made during a visit by Pakistani officials in August 2025. - The flights will operate on a trial basis until March 30, 2026, with two flights per week [https://www.india.com/business/bangladesh-to-resume-direct-flights-with-pakistan-from-january-29-after-a-decade-long-gap-dhaka-karachi-biman-bangladesh-airlines-new-delhi-islamabad-8261938][https://www.nation.com.pk/08-jan-2026/bangladesh-pakistan-resume-direct-flights-decade]. 2. **Significance of the Flights** - The resumption is seen as a step towards improved bilateral relations, which have been historically strained since the countries' split in 1971. - Enhanced connectivity is expected to support various sectors, including tourism and business [https://www.thediplomaticinsight.com/pakistan-bangladesh-resume-direct-flights][https://www.geo.tv/latest/642803-bangladeshs-national-airline-receives-pakistans-nod-for-karachi-dhaka-direct-flights]. 3. **Operational Details** - The first flight will depart Dhaka at 8:00 PM local time and arrive in Karachi at 11:00 PM, with the return flight leaving Karachi at midnight and arriving in Dhaka at 4:20 AM [https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/aviation/bangladesh-to-resume-direct-flights-with-pakistan-from-january-29-19816222.htm][https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/biman-resume-dhaka-karachi-direct-flights-29-jan-after-decade-1328236]. 4. **Cultural and Economic Context** - Recent cultural exchanges, such as performances by Pakistani artists in Dhaka, and increased trade, including cargo shipments from Karachi to Chittagong, have contributed to the warming of relations [https://www.india.com/news/world/bangladesh-pakistan-air-service-biman-bangladesh-airlines-indian-airspace-shehbaz-sharif-narendra-modi-yunus-sheikh-hasina-dhaka-islamabad-karachi-indigo-vistara-8259732][https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/aviation/pakistan-okays-biman-bangladesh-launch-dhaka-karachi-direct-flights-1324716]. ### Summary of Findings **Key Conclusions:** 1. **Resumption of Direct Flights**: Bangladesh and Pakistan will resume direct flights on January 29, 2026, after a 14-year gap, enhancing connectivity between the two nations. 2. **Bilateral Relations**: The move signifies a warming of diplomatic ties, with increased cultural and economic exchanges supporting this development. 3. **Operational Framework**: Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate two flights weekly, initially on a trial basis until March 30, 2026, facilitating easier travel for citizens of both countries. This resumption of direct flights is a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan, promising to foster greater connectivity and cooperation in the region [https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/biman-launch-dhaka-karachi-direct-flights-jan-29-4075281][https://www.millenniumpost.in/world/bdesh-to-resume-direct-flights-with-pak-from-jan-29-643073].