Diplomatic Desk:
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, has emphasized the need to further strengthen the long-standing friendly and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, as well as to enhance mutual cooperation in the civil aviation sector.
A delegation led by the Saudi Ambassador, Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, met with the Minister at his office in the ministry on Thursday (October 1, 2026) at 2:00 PM. Discussions during the meeting covered various matters of mutual interest, including air connectivity between the two countries, the transportation of Hajj pilgrims, and the Air Services Agreement.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister noted that there are significant opportunities to further expand cooperation in the civil aviation sector based on the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with the General Authority of Civil Aviation regarding an increase in the number of weekly flights.
The issue of taxes and charges imposed on Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims received special attention during the discussion. Recalling that this matter had been discussed in a meeting on July 13, 2026, the Minister sought the cooperation of the Saudi authorities for a speedy resolution.
Discussions were also held regarding the operation of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ Hajj flights for 2027. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has applied to the relevant Saudi authorities for slots to operate three daily flights on the Dhaka-Jeddah-Dhaka route from March 28, 2027, to October 30, 2027. The Saudi Ambassador’s cooperation was sought to expedite slot approval in order to finalize the flight schedule for Hajj 2027.
Progress regarding the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the two countries was also reviewed during the meeting. The Minister informed the delegation that the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is currently drafting the agreement. Once the draft is finalized, the subsequent process for signing the agreement will commence. Regarding the request from the Saudi airline Flyadeal to operate additional flights, the Minister explained that, due to the current limitations in capacity and slot management at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, it is not feasible to consider operating extra flights immediately. However, an initiative could be undertaken to launch direct flights to Dammam from Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram.
During the meeting, both sides expressed interest in further deepening the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, as well as enhancing air connectivity and expanding mutual cooperation in the tourism sector.
Additionally, detailed discussions were held regarding the interest of a delegation—led by Mr. Ali Mohammed Rajab, Vice President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation—to visit Dhaka to inspect the Civil Aviation Authority’s overall preparations ahead of the Hajj season.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister welcomed the Saudi Ambassador and his delegation, expressing optimism that mutual cooperation between the two nations would become even more extensive and fruitful in the future.
