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Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have opened a new chapter in aviation cooperation, raising the number of authorised weekly passenger flights between the two countries from 49 to 84 under a new memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The agreement also allows 21 cargo flights a week, fifth-freedom traffic rights, code-sharing, co-terminalisation and aircraft leasing, according to Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mustafa Mahmood Siddiq.
He disclosed the details at a meeting with media representatives at the CAAB headquarters on Thursday. CAAB members and senior officials were also present.
Under the new arrangement, designated airlines of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will be able to operate up to 84 passenger flights a week, creating scope for 35 additional flights compared with the previous limit.
Siddiq said the increased capacity would particularly benefit Bangladeshi Hajj and Umrah pilgrims by helping address additional passenger pressure, seat shortages and operational challenges during the Hajj season.
The additional flights are also expected to benefit nearly four million Bangladeshis living and working in Saudi Arabia by providing greater opportunities to travel between the two countries. Increased competition among airlines could also lead to more competitive airfares, he said.
The new agreement expands opportunities for Saudi airlines to operate at Bangladesh’s regional international airports, including Chattogram and Sylhet. This could strengthen direct connectivity with Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah and Jeddah and make travel to Saudi Arabia easier for passengers from different parts of Bangladesh.
A major feature of the agreement is the expansion of air cargo services, with provisions for 21 cargo flights a week between the two countries. The increased capacity is expected to facilitate faster exports of garments, fresh vegetables, fruits and other Bangladeshi products to the Saudi market.
Under fifth-freedom traffic rights, designated Bangladeshi airlines will also be able to operate cargo services through Saudi Arabia to specified destinations, including Spain and Germany.
CAAB believes the provision could help expand Bangladesh’s international air-cargo network and create opportunities for the country to develop as a regional cargo hub, supporting its export-oriented economic policy.
The MoU also permits code-sharing arrangements, subject to the necessary approvals. Designated airlines may enter into code-sharing and other commercial cooperation with airlines from Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia or third countries, potentially giving passengers access to wider international networks and easier connections.
The co-terminalisation provision will allow airlines to serve multiple destinations within the same country on a single flight, subject to relevant laws and regulations.
The agreement also permits leased aircraft, including wet-leased aircraft, giving airlines greater flexibility to increase capacity according to demand and operate additional flights during peak seasons.
Siddiq said the new agreement goes beyond simply increasing the number of flights between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. It opens new opportunities in passenger transport, Hajj and Umrah operations, expatriate connectivity, cargo transportation, trade and business, and cooperation between airlines.
He said the agreement would further strengthen aviation cooperation between the two countries and contribute to Bangladesh’s efforts to expand international air connectivity and develop into an effective regional aviation and cargo hub.
