Public Reactions Range From Praise to Mockery as Pakistan-Bangladesh Flights Resume after 14 Years
Biman Bangladesh Airlines lands in Karachi, ending a 14-year hiatus in direct air connectivity.
After a gap of 14 years, direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan has officially resumed. Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ flight BG-341 from Dhaka landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport yesterday, where it was greeted with a ceremonial water salute and a high-level welcome. The move marks the first non-stop passenger service between the two nations since 2012.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) welcomed the arrival warmly, calling it a “long-awaited return” and emphasizing that the two countries were “reconnecting hearts through the skies.” The messaging underlined the symbolic importance of the flight, reflecting a cautious but positive reset in bilateral relations after years of limited engagement.
The announcement triggered a wave of reactions online, particularly across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. Many users celebrated the resumption as overdue, while others offered sarcastic or political commentary. Some posts praised the gesture, calling it “heartwarming,” while others mocked it, highlighting lingering tensions and economic challenges in both countries.
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The suspension of direct flights in 2012 was officially due to security concerns from Dhaka, though diplomatic mistrust and limited political engagement played a major role. For over a decade, passengers were forced to travel via third-country hubs such as Dubai or Doha, making travel between the two nations longer and more expensive.
India’s airspace played a critical role in making the Dhaka-Karachi route commercially viable. Since Pakistan and India do not allow each other’s aircraft to overfly their territory, Bangladesh relied on an existing air services agreement with India to chart the shortest and most economical route. Without Indian clearance, the flight would require a long detour, increasing travel time and operational costs.
The resumption of service is expected to boost trade, tourism, and diaspora travel, while signaling a tentative improvement in diplomatic ties. Both airlines are now positioned to maintain practical flight times and fares, providing passengers with a faster and more direct connection while highlighting the strategic role of regional cooperation in South Asian aviation.
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