Pakistan has approved flight operations for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, allowing the Bangladeshi national carrier to operate between Dhaka and Karachi, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on Friday. The move signals a further thaw in relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh after decades of limited engagement.

According to a PCAA spokesperson, Biman has been granted initial approval to operate flights on the Dhaka–Karachi route for a three-month period, valid until March 26. The official said the permission could be extended subject to operational performance and regulatory compliance.

The decision marks an important step toward restoring direct air connectivity between the two countries, which were once part of a single state before separating in 1971 following a violent civil war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Bilateral relations have shown signs of improvement since the removal of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, following a student-led uprising. Hasina was widely seen as politically aligned with India and openly critical of Pakistan, and her exit reshaped Dhaka’s foreign policy posture.

In recent months, Islamabad has actively sought to rebuild ties with Dhaka. The two countries launched direct sea trade in late 2024 and have since explored broader government-to-government cooperation, particularly in trade, logistics, and transport.

Last November, Pakistan International Airlines, which has since been privatized, announced a cargo partnership with Biman aimed at improving air freight connectivity and supporting bilateral trade. PIA officials said the agreement was part of a wider strategy to grow its cargo operations and enhance service competitiveness.

Trade relations have also gained momentum at sea. In February 2025, a cargo vessel sailed directly from Pakistan to Bangladesh for the first time in decades, unloading containers successfully, according to port authorities.

Diplomatic engagement has expanded alongside trade. In August last year, the two sides signed six agreements covering visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders, trade cooperation, media collaboration, and cultural exchanges.

Separately, Pakistan has approved flight operations for Britain’s Norse Atlantic Airways, enabling the airline to operate direct services from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad.

Commenting on the development, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said increased access for international airlines would help foster competition in Pakistan’s aviation sector, leading to improved service standards and more balanced airfares.