Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia Expand Air Links With More Passenger and Cargo Flights
DHAKA:
The expanded framework was outlined by Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, chairman of the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB), during a meeting with media representatives at CAAB headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday.
Under the new memorandum of understanding between the two countries’ civil aviation authorities, designated airlines will be permitted to operate up to 84 passenger flights a week, an increase of 35 flights from the previous limit.
The agreement also provides for 21 cargo flights a week, fifth-freedom traffic rights, code-sharing, co-terminalisation and aircraft leasing arrangements.
More Flights for Pilgrims and Migrant Workers
CAAB said the additional passenger capacity is expected to help meet growing travel demand between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, particularly during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, when airlines often face pressure from increased passenger volumes.
Siddiq said the expanded capacity would provide airlines with greater operational flexibility and help ease seasonal pressure on available seats.
The agreement is also expected to benefit the roughly 4 million Bangladeshis living and working in Saudi Arabia, according to the CAAB chairman.
An increase in flights and seats could provide expatriate workers with more options for travelling between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. CAAB also said greater competition among airlines could create opportunities for passengers to access more competitive fares.
Chattogram and Sylhet Included
The new arrangement allows air services to Saudi destinations to be expanded beyond Dhaka to include Chattogram and Sylhet airports.
CAAB said this could make international travel to Saudi Arabia more accessible to passengers from different parts of Bangladesh while increasing the role of the country's regional international airports.
Cargo Capacity to Increase
The agreement also expands opportunities for air cargo services, allowing up to 21 cargo flights a week between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
CAAB said the additional capacity could improve the speed and efficiency of exports such as ready-made garments, fresh vegetables and fruits to the Saudi market.
The agreement further includes fifth-freedom traffic rights, under which designated Bangladeshi airlines may be able to operate cargo services through Saudi Arabia to specified destinations, including Spain and Germany, subject to applicable arrangements and approvals.
CAAB said the provision could help Bangladeshi carriers broaden their international cargo networks and create opportunities for Bangladesh to strengthen its position as a regional air-cargo hub.
Code-Sharing and Leasing Opportunities
The memorandum also provides for code-sharing arrangements. Subject to regulatory approval, designated airlines from the two countries may enter into code-share and other commercial cooperation arrangements with airlines from their own countries, the partner country or third countries.
CAAB said such arrangements could give passengers access to wider international networks and more convenient connections.
The agreement also includes co-terminalisation, allowing airlines to serve multiple destinations in the same country as part of a single flight operation.
Aircraft leasing arrangements, including wet leases, could provide airlines with additional operational flexibility during periods of high demand, allowing them to increase capacity when required.
Wider Aviation and Economic Cooperation
Siddiq said the agreement goes beyond increasing the number of passenger flights. It creates additional scope for cooperation in passenger transportation, Hajj and Umrah travel, expatriate connectivity, cargo services, trade and commercial partnerships between airlines.
He said the expanded aviation framework would strengthen the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and could contribute to Bangladesh's efforts to develop as a regional aviation and cargo hub.
The new arrangements are expected to give airlines greater flexibility while expanding travel and trade links between the two countries.
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