Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have agreed to significantly expand air connectivity, increasing the number of authorised weekly passenger flights between the two countries from 49 to 84.
The new arrangement, reached through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, also allows 21 cargo flights a week, fifth-freedom traffic rights, code-sharing, co-terminalisation and aircraft leasing.
Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq disclosed the details at a meeting with media representatives at the CAAB headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday.
He said the new agreement would allow designated airlines of both countries to operate up to 84 passenger flights a week, creating scope for 35 additional flights compared with the previous limit.
The increased capacity is expected to particularly benefit Bangladeshi Hajj and Umrah pilgrims by easing seat shortages and operational pressures during peak seasons.
The CAAB chairman said the agreement would also benefit around four million Bangladeshis living and working in Saudi Arabia by providing greater opportunities to travel between the two countries.
He added that increased competition among airlines could create scope for more competitive airfares.
The agreement also expands opportunities to operate flights from Bangladesh’s regional international airports.
Saudi-designated airlines will have greater scope to operate services from Chattogram and Sylhet, potentially strengthening direct connectivity with Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah and Jeddah.
According to CAAB, the expanded regional connectivity will make travel easier for passengers from different parts of Bangladesh while supporting the growth of international operations at Chattogram and Sylhet airports.
The new arrangement also provides for 21 cargo flights a week between the two countries.
CAAB said the increased cargo capacity would help Bangladeshi exporters transport garments, fresh vegetables, fruits and other products to the Saudi market more efficiently.
Under fifth-freedom traffic rights, Bangladeshi designated airlines will also be able to operate cargo services via Saudi Arabia to specified destinations, including Spain and Germany.
CAAB believes the provision will help expand Bangladesh’s international air cargo network and create opportunities to develop the country as a regional cargo hub.
The MoU also allows designated airlines of the two countries to enter into code-sharing and other commercial arrangements with airlines from their own country, the other party 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 the same flight, subject to relevant laws and regulations.
The agreement also permits the use of leased aircraft, including wet leases, allowing airlines to increase capacity according to demand and operate additional flights during peak periods.
The CAAB chairman said the new agreement went beyond simply increasing flight frequencies, creating new opportunities in passenger transport, Hajj and Umrah operations, expatriate connectivity, cargo transportation, trade and commercial cooperation between airlines.
He said the agreement would further strengthen the longstanding friendly and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and support Bangladesh’s efforts to expand international air connectivity and develop itself as an effective regional aviation and cargo hub.
