Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia pen deal to expand air links

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand passenger and cargo air services.

Under the agreement, the number of permitted weekly passenger flights between the two countries is set to rise from 49 to 84.

It also allows 21 cargo flights a week and introduces provisions for fifth freedom traffic rights, code-sharing, co-terminalisation and aircraft leasing, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq said on Thursday.

Speaking at the CAAB headquarters in Dhaka’s Kurmitola, Siddiq said the additional 35 weekly passenger flights would help meet growing demand on the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia route.

Hajj and Umrah passengers are expected to be among the main beneficiaries, particularly during peak travel periods when seat shortages and operational pressure are common.

“Additional flights will be particularly important during the Hajj season. They will give airlines greater operational flexibility and help make Hajj services more orderly and reliable,” said Siddiq.

The agreement is also expected to benefit around 4 million Bangladeshis living and working in Saudi Arabia.

Siddiq said a larger number of flights and seats could make travel easier for expatriates and increase competition among airlines, potentially putting downward pressure on fares.

The deal also opens the way for more flights from Chattogram and Sylhet, creating scope for expanded direct links with Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah and Jeddah.

Cargo services are another major component of the agreement.

Designated airlines from the two countries will be allowed to operate 21 cargo flights a week, which could help move Bangladeshi exports such as readymade garments, fresh vegetables and fruit more quickly to the Saudi market, according to CAAB.

Bangladeshi airlines will also be able to use fifth freedom rights to operate cargo services via Saudi Arabia to approved destinations, including Spain and Germany.

CAAB believes the arrangement could widen Bangladesh’s international air cargo network and support efforts to develop the country as a regional cargo hub.

The MoU also allows designated airlines to enter code-sharing arrangements with carriers from either country or third countries, subject to regulatory approval.

Under the co-terminalisation provision, airlines will be able to serve more than one destination in the same country on a single flight, in line with local laws.

The agreement also permits leased aircraft, including wet leases, giving airlines more flexibility to add capacity and operate extra flights during peak seasons.