Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed direct air connectivity on Thursday after a 14-year suspension. Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated the first Dhaka–Karachi flight, BG341, which took off at 8.15 pm from Dhaka and landed at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport at 11.03 pm. The arrival was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, said the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). Sindh governor Kamran Tessori told reporters the cooperation would expand beyond aviation to other sectors. The fully packed inaugural flight was seen off at Dhaka by Bangladesh's civil aviation and tourism adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, Pakistan high commissioner Imran Haider, and other officials. Sheikh Bashiruddin said the route aims to "enhance connectivity, promote tourism and strengthen people-to-people links." He added, "Bangladesh Airlines will gradually increase flight frequency and reduce airfares to make travel more affordable for the people." Pakistan's high commissioner highlighted talks between Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to restore air links. He said, "In view of the vision of the leadership and aspirations of the people of our two countries… both sides agreed to take immediate measures for the resumption of direct flights." Direct flights had stopped since 2012, forcing travelers to use connecting flights via Gulf hubs like Dubai and Doha. The two nations are separated by about 1,500 km of Indian territory since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Biman Bangladesh Airlines said the twice-weekly flights would "play a significant role in promoting trade and commerce, expanding educational exchanges, and fostering cultural ties between the two countries." Passenger Mohammad Shahid said, "We had been waiting for such an opportunity because we travel continuously. There are so many people waiting in Pakistan to come here, and some waiting here to go there." Ties between the two countries have improved since Bangladesh's government changed in 2024. Cargo shipping between Karachi and Chittagong also restarted in November 2024, boosting trade, culture, and medical travel.