English
English
English
Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed direct flights after 14 years, signalling a diplomatic reset. The move comes alongside defence talks, including a possible fighter jet deal, amid shifting regional dynamics and strained ties with India.
angladesh and Pakistan have taken a significant step toward rebuilding bilateral ties
New Delhi: Bangladesh and Pakistan have taken a significant step toward rebuilding bilateral ties with the resumption of direct passenger flights after a 14-year gap, signalling a broader diplomatic and strategic reset in South Asia.
The renewed connectivity comes alongside discussions on defence cooperation, including a possible fighter jet deal, at a time when both countries’ relations with India remain strained.
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Thursday, receiving a ceremonial water salute an event Pakistani authorities described as the start of a “new chapter” in bilateral relations. The landing ended a suspension of direct air services that had been in place since 2012.
‘We Feel Ashamed’: Pakistan PM admits ‘asking for money’ around the world to keep economy afloat
Under the current arrangement, Biman will operate non-stop flights twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays. Services are being conducted under a provisional licence valid until March 30, after which authorities will assess long-term feasibility.
The rapid warming of ties follows major political changes in Bangladesh. The fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August 2024, after student-led protests, reshaped Dhaka’s foreign policy approach. Hasina, seen as strongly aligned with India, is currently in exile, while an interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is preparing for elections next month, with Hasina’s party banned.
Since taking office, the interim government has pursued broader diplomatic engagement, including reopening channels with Islamabad after years of minimal contact.
Beyond civilian connectivity, defence cooperation is emerging as a key pillar of renewed engagement. Pakistan has formally offered its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets jointly developed with China to Bangladesh.
High-level discussions were recently held in Islamabad between the air chiefs of both countries. Pakistan has also assured Bangladesh of expedited delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with training and technical support, as part of a wider defence partnership proposal.
T20 World Cup 2026: Will Bangladesh replace Pakistan? Here’s ICC new plan
The rapprochement carries implications for India, which has historically played a central role in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have cooled since the political transition, while India’s relationship with Pakistan remains tense.
One unresolved issue is airspace access. The shortest Dhaka-Karachi route passes through Indian airspace, and it remains unclear whether overflight permissions have been granted. For now, Pakistani authorities have approved designated corridors within their own airspace.
Bangladesh has also approved private Pakistani carriers, including Fly Jinnah and AirSial, to operate direct flights indicating that aviation links between the two countries could expand further in the coming months. Together, the renewed flights and defence talks underscore a notable realignment in regional diplomacy, one that New Delhi will be watching closely.
