Bangladesh Approves Another Pakistani Airline for Dhaka-Karachi Route

Dhaka : In a move signaling improving ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has approved a second Pakistani private airline, Air Sial, to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi.

CAAB Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan confirmed to local media that a formal order would be issued later on Tuesday. Following this, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will appoint a General Sales Agent (GSA) and begin processing flight slot applications. Once operational, Air Sial will offer passengers from Bangladesh not only direct access to Pakistan but also transit options to international destinations via Karachi, according to bdnews24.com.

The decision follows a proposal revived by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Advisor for Travel and Tourism Sheikh Bashir Uddin in Dhaka on January 12. The FPCCI emphasized the need for easing travel between the two nations to promote trade and investment. “Pakistani businesses are eager to expand trade with Bangladesh, but issues like visa restrictions and lack of direct flights have been major obstacles,” the FPCCI President said.

During the discussions, both sides addressed topics including simplifying visa procedures, enhancing bilateral trade, starting direct flight operations, and boosting investment cooperation. The Pakistani delegation also expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s agriculture, education, tourism, and ceramics sectors. In return, Bangladeshi investors were invited to explore opportunities in Pakistan, with assurances of support under the country’s export facilitation scheme. Plans for organizing a trade expo in Bangladesh were also announced.

Air Sial will be the second Pakistani airline approved this year, following CAAB’s earlier nod to Fly Jinnah in February to operate the same route. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was the last airline to run direct flights between the two countries before it halted operations in 2018 due to low passenger numbers and financial challenges.

According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, said Air Sial could begin flights within two months of formal approval. The decision aligns with warming diplomatic relations under the current administration led by Muhammad Yunus, following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024.