PESHAWARA: To restore air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the government has decided to reopen the flight route between Dhaka and Karachi after almost 13 years.
This route was suspended in 2012 due to security concerns during the former Sheikh Hasina government, which is now being restored under the policy of the interim government.
According to officials, Advisor on Civil Aviation and Tourism Sheikh Bashiruddin will visit Pakistan later this month. During this visit, he will discuss technical and practical matters with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, airport authorities, and important commercial institutions in Karachi.
The resumption of the route is expected to boost bilateral trade, labour movement, passenger traffic, and cargo transport. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest commercial hub, has been an important destination for Bangladeshi businessmen, students, and expatriates in the past.
Bangladesh airline Biman officials have confirmed that the national carrier plans to operate three flights a week on the Dhaka-Karachi and Karachi-Dhaka routes in the initial phase. The number of flights is also possible to increase further based on passenger demand and commercial profitability.
According to Biman sources, the resumption of the route is being done in view of the growing trade trends in the region, labour market opportunities, and the need for better connectivity with Pakistan’s industrial centers. Before the route was closed, Karachi was one of Biman’s most profitable destinations. During his upcoming visit to Pakistan, the Bangladeshi aviation adviser will hold several important meetings on bilateral trade, cargo promotion, cooperation in the labor market, and regional coordination.
Earlier on September 3, Chairman Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Mustafa Mahmood Siddique, met the Director General of Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Nader Shafi Dar, in Dhaka, during which the two sides had ‘positive and fruitful’ discussions on the resumption of flights. Bangladeshi authorities believe that the resumption of this route will facilitate access to Pakistani markets for the country’s export sectors, especially garments, pharmaceuticals, and shipbuilding. The business community and Bangladeshi diaspora in Pakistan have welcomed the development.
They say direct flights will reduce travel time and logistical costs, as well as boost trade delegations and public relations. According to Biman’s General Manager for Public Relations, Bushra Islam, ongoing discussions with Pakistani aviation authorities are progressing positively. After the route is fully restored, the Dhaka-Karachi air corridor will once again become operational, which is expected to open new possibilities in the relations between the two South Asian countries.
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