Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has emphasised strengthening the long-standing friendly and fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia, alongside increasing mutual cooperation in the civil aviation sector.
A delegation led by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, met the minister at his Secretariat office room on Thursday.
During the meeting, discussions were held on various issues of mutual interest, including air traffic, Hajj passenger transportation, and Air Services Agreement.
Speaking at the meeting, the minister said based on existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, broad opportunities exist to further expand cooperation in the civil aviation sector.
He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with the General Authority of Civil Aviation regarding an increase in weekly flights.
Special emphasis was given during the discussion to the issue of taxes and charges imposed on Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims. Recalling that discussions had taken place on this matter previously, the minister sought the cooperation of 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 Dhaka-Jeddah-Dhaka route from 28 March 2027 to 30 October 2027.
The minister sought the Saudi ambassador’s cooperation for the prompt approval of slots in the interest of finalising Hajj 2027 flight schedule.
He said the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is currently preparing the draft of the agreement, and following the finalisation of the draft, the subsequent procedure for signing the agreement will begin.
Progress regarding the Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the two countries was also reviewed at the meeting.
Regarding a request by Saudi airline Flyadeal to operate additional flights, the minister said due to current capacity and slot management limitations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, considering additional flights immediately is not possible.
However, an initiative can be taken to launch direct flights from Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram to Dammam.
Both sides expressed interest in further deepening existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, increasing air connectivity, and expanding mutual cooperation in the tourism sector.
Additionally, detailed discussions were held regarding the interest of a delegation, led by Ali Mohammed Rajab, vice president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, to visit Dhaka to inspect on-site the overall preparations of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh ahead of Hajj season.
Welcoming the Saudi ambassador and his delegation at conclusion of the meeting, the minister expressed hope that mutual cooperation between the two countries would become even broader and more fruitful in future.
