Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed a new bilateral Air Services Agreement to expand air connectivity and address longstanding operational complications. Published on August 8, 2026, the report said the agreement raises the permitted number of weekly flights between the two countries from 49 to 85. The deal was finalized after Saudi authorities agreed to Bangladesh’s proposal for 36 additional weekly flights.

Flights from Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are expected to increase significantly. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Mostafa Mahmud Hasan Siddique, who was visiting Saudi Arabia, said the higher flight allocation would make travel easier for Bangladeshi expatriates and reduce ticket shortages and high fares. He also said it would resolve various long-running complications involving Hajj and Umrah flight operations.

Siddique said he led a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia on August 3, during which the agreement was finalized and signed. The delegation met Saudi Slot Management to raise operational issues faced by Bangladeshi carriers. Representatives of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines discussed securing practical schedules, while the new arrangement also emphasizes permanent and effective slot management.