Amidst strengthening economic and political ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the two countries have decided to resume direct flights from December, a move that comes after several years.
Mahan Air will start three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi from next month, said Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Islamabad, Iqbal Hussain Khan, at an event at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), without specifying the date or other details.
The three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi “will be a significant leap in strengthening connectivity between the two countries,” Khan said.
Additionally, the visa process has also been simplified to make travel easier and faster, he said.
“Visa process has been simplified. Visas are now being issued on the joint recommendation of LCCI and the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate in Lahore.” “Visas will be issued to members within three to four days, making travel between the two countries faster and easier,” Khan said.
Also Read: Air India seeks govt help in accessing Chinese airspace
Besides Mahan Airlines, which operates under the name Mahan Air, and is a privately owned Iranian airline based in Tehran, two other Pakistani private airlines have also received approval for direct flights.
Fly Jinnah and AirSial received approval from the aviation authorities in Bangladesh to operate direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Khan said there are also plans to start a direct cargo shipping service between the two countries. “While a cargo service between the two countries has been operational since last December, rising trade demand now requires a dedicated direct cargo route,” he said.
Relations between the two countries have been on the mend since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster after massive student-led protests in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has since encouraged dialogue with Islamabad, improving trade and communication.
LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol said Pakistan can increase rice exports to Bangladesh and Dhaka can supply fresh pineapples to Pakistan, besides trade in textiles and ready-made garments.
“At present, bilateral trade stands at USD 700 million but it may increase up to USD 3 billion over the next few years,” Saigol said and added that direct flights would further enhance trade relations.
Follow us
