Bangladesh plans to formally seek permission for 84 weekly flights to Saudi Arabia, up from the current 49, as it moves to modernise and revise its bilateral air services agreement with the kingdom. A high-level delegation led by the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh is travelling to Saudi Arabia on Monday to finalise discussions. The initiative aims to expand air connectivity, resolve landing and take-off slot complications for Bangladeshi carriers, and ease travel for Hajj and Umrah passengers.

Industry participants say Bangladeshi airlines face recurring difficulties securing Saudi airport slots during the Hajj season. Last-minute allocations, unsuitable landing times and sudden schedule changes can leave passengers waiting for hours and lead to flight delays or cancellations. The problems affect travellers from the Ashkona Hajj Camp to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, while also increasing airlines’ operating costs.

If approved, the additional 35 weekly flights could increase services from Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah. Officials from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines will join direct talks with Saudi slot management authorities. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said a new agreement could expand commercial opportunities and make travel easier and more affordable for Bangladeshi expatriate workers.