Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia deal approves up to 84 weekly flights
Dhaka: Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed a new air services agreement raising the number of approved weekly passenger flights between the two countries from 49 to 84, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).
The deal, signed under a fresh Memorandum of Understanding between the civil aviation authorities of both nations, also permits 21 cargo flights per week, along with Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights, code-sharing, co-terminalization, and aircraft leasing arrangements.
CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq announced the agreement at a media briefing held at the authority's headquarters in the capital on August 13.
Siddiq said designated carriers from both countries can now operate up to 84 weekly passenger flights, an increase of 35 services from the earlier cap of 49, to meet rising travel demand between the two nations.
He noted that Bangladeshi Hajj and Umrah pilgrims stand to benefit most from the expanded capacity. The additional flights are expected to ease seat shortages and operational bottlenecks that typically strain airlines during the Hajj season.
Around 4 million Bangladeshi expatriates based in Saudi Arabia will also gain from the higher flight volume, Siddiq said, adding that greater competition among carriers could translate into more affordable fares for passengers.
The agreement further opens the door to expanding operations at regional airports beyond Dhaka. Saudi carriers will be permitted to broaden services to Chittagong and Sylhet, enabling more direct connections to Riyadh, Dammam, Medina, and Jeddah.
Siddiq said the move should make it easier for travelers outside the capital to reach Saudi destinations while boosting the international profile of Chittagong and Sylhet airports.
On the cargo side, the newly permitted 21 weekly flights are expected to speed up the movement of Bangladeshi exports, including garments, vegetables, and fruit, to Saudi markets.
Under Fifth Freedom rights included in the pact, Bangladeshi carriers will also be able to fly cargo to onward destinations such as Spain and Germany via Saudi Arabia. CAAB said this could help position Bangladesh as a regional cargo hub.
The agreement additionally allows code-sharing arrangements, subject to regulatory approval, letting designated airlines from both countries partner with carriers from their own nation, from each other, or from third countries. This is expected to widen route networks and connectivity options for passengers.
A co-terminalization clause will let airlines serve multiple destinations within the same country on a single flight, in line with local regulations. Provisions for aircraft leasing, particularly wet leasing, are also included, giving carriers more flexibility to scale capacity during peak travel periods.
Siddiq described the agreement as extending beyond flight numbers, touching on passenger transport, Hajj and Umrah logistics, expatriate travel, cargo trade, and broader economic cooperation between Dhaka and Riyadh.
He said the pact builds on the long-standing relationship between the two countries and is expected to strengthen aviation ties while advancing Bangladesh's goal of becoming a key regional aviation and cargo hub.
