Flyadeal launches Dhaka operations, pledges affordable air travel for migrant workers

Dhaka: Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flyadeal formally marked its entry into Bangladesh with a launch event in the capital on November 25, attended by Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, responsible for Civil Aviation and Commerce, as chief guest.

In his speech, the adviser highlighted the immense pressure on Dhaka’s airport infrastructure, noting that 13 million passengers currently travel through a facility designed for only 8 million. He added that the number is projected to reach 20 million soon, underscoring the urgency of capacity expansion.

“To handle this growing demand, we are bringing a new terminal — the third terminal of Dhaka airport — with significantly more capacity,” he said.

Addressing airfare concerns, particularly for migrant workers, the adviser stressed that low-cost carriers in Bangladesh often charge more than legacy airlines, a situation he vowed to address.

Sheikh Bashir Uddin addressing the ceremony as chief guest — Photo: Monitor

“I want to fix this issue and make low-cost airlines competitive,” he said. “With Flyadeal launching operations, additional supply will help bring more affordability to the market. You have my support.”

Flyadeal highlights rapid growth, strong performance

Flyadeal’s CEO Steven Greenway presented key achievements of the airline since its establishment, noting that the carrier has already flown over 40 million passengers, operates 230 daily flights, and serves more than 32 year-round and seasonal destinations across 60 routes.

The airline currently operates a young fleet of 43 Airbus A320neo and A320ceo aircraft, with an average age of just 2.1 years, each equipped with 186 all-economy seats. Flyadeal is also maintaining a 99 percent on-time performance rate.

Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway presenting key achievements of the airline at the ceremony — Photo: Monitor

Although positioned as a low-cost airline, Flyadeal announced that it is offering complimentary full-course meals and free baggage allowances, similar to legacy carriers — a move aimed at providing greater value to passengers traveling to and from Bangladesh.

Also present at the event was Mokarram Siddiq, Managing Director of Aviance Bangladesh Ltd, the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Flyadeal in the country.

Bangladesh expansion underway

Flyadeal, part of the Saudia Group, began operations in Dhaka on October 22, currently flying two weekly services between Dhaka and Jeddah. Dhaka marks the airline’s 15th international destination.

The carrier announced plans to increase flight frequencies, explore additional Bangladeshi destinations, and operate Hajj flights in 2026 as part of its long-term expansion strategy.

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