PIA Plans Return to Dhaka Skies ✈️ Pakistan, Bangladesh Strengthen Relations Through Air & Trade Routes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering restarting direct flight operations to Dhaka as diplomatic and economic ties with Bangladesh continue to improve, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) confirmed on Sunday.

According to a statement from the national carrier, the development follows a meeting between Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan and senior officials at PIA’s head office in Karachi.

“Discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, including the restoration of PIA’s direct flights to Dhaka to rebuild air connectivity and further strengthen relations between the two countries,” the airline stated on its official X (Twitter) handle.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity

The renewed aviation plan aligns with broader efforts to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Just days earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held talks with Bangladesh’s Home Secretary Naseem-ul-Ghani to explore ways to boost trade and economic collaboration.

Both sides emphasized the importance of resuming direct air and shipping services between Karachi and Dhaka, noting that improved connectivity would encourage business exchange and promote people-to-people contact.

The Bangladeshi official highlighted that while a private company had previously launched a direct shipping route, it had since been suspended. He urged the Sindh government to work with federal authorities to help restore the service.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements

The renewed push for cooperation comes shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

During their meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual trust, respect, and shared progress.

A New Chapter in Relations

Pakistan–Bangladesh relations have shown visible improvement since the political change in Dhaka following the student-led movement of August 2024, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—long regarded as critical of Pakistan and aligned with India.

With diplomatic warmth returning, both nations now appear focused on rebuilding long-dormant links in aviation, trade, and cultural exchange.