Bangladesh has approved Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s private budget airline, to operate direct flights between Karachi and Dhaka, marking the resumption of air connectivity between the two cities after nearly a decade.
This approval comes after Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) last operated direct flights on this route until February 2015.
The approval was confirmed by CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, who stated, “They (Fly Jinnah) applied to us, and we have approved it,”
Next Steps for Fly Jinnah: Before launching operations, Fly Jinnah must appoint a local General Sales Agent (GSA) in Bangladesh. Bhuiyan added, “Now they (Fly Jinnah) will appoint a GSA. Once they request slots and frequencies, we will provide them. Our part is currently complete,” according to The Daily Star.
Cargo flights to enhance Trade
In addition to passenger flights, Fly Jinnah will soon launch cargo services connecting Dhaka with Karachi and Lahore. These services will facilitate business exchanges and enhance trade between the two countries.
The announcement of cargo flights follows Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hussain’s earlier statement that direct flights were expected to begin within a few months.
Fly Jinnah, a joint venture between Pakistan’s Lakson Group and UAE-based Air Arabia, is expected to contribute to growing connectivity and trade between the two countries.
Improved Relations and Economic Cooperation
The new air link is expected to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Abdul Naser Khan, Additional Secretary at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, confirmed that the two nations would soon sign an agreement for the direct flights, with hopes of enhancing business, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
This development follows a period of improved relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. After years of limited contact since the 1971 separation, recent efforts have focused on strengthening trade and diplomatic relations. The launch of the Karachi-Dhaka flight will be an important step in enhancing connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
As the direct flights and cargo services are set to begin, both nations stand to benefit from increased cooperation in business, tourism, and trade.