Riyadh Air launches Dhaka flights 1 Aug
Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, is set to launch daily direct Dhaka-Riyadh flights on August 1, intensifying competition in Bangladesh’s booming Saudi Arabia aviation market driven by expatriate and Umrah travel demand.
The Saudi carrier’s entry is expected to reshape one of Bangladesh’s busiest international aviation markets, currently dominated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Saudia.
The airline is also evaluating future expansion to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, while considering direct operations from Sylhetand Chattogram in later phases.
We will begin daily flight operations from August 1,” MdSohagHossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Riyadh Air, according to BSS report.
He said the airline has applied for slots to operate seven weekly flights on the Dhaka-Riyadh route.
The flight is scheduled to arrive at HazratShahjalal International Airport at 2:00 pm before departing for Riyadh at 3:00 pm.
Hossain said the airline is also evaluating future expansion to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, while considering direct operations from Sylhetand Chattogram in later phases.
A senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh familiar with the development said all regulatory formalities for Riyadh Air have been completed, with the airline now awaiting final approval of its operational schedule before commencing commercial flights.
Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said the carrier’s arrival could significantly intensify competition on Saudi-bound routes, particularly in pricing, transit connectivity and service quality.
“The addition of another full-service Gulf carrier operating daily services could create stronger airfare competition, improve passenger connectivity and expand travel options for nearly three million Bangladeshi expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Islam observed that Riyadh Air’s entry signals growing international confidence in Bangladesh’s expanding outbound travel sector and increasing strategic importance within Gulf aviation networks.
The development follows discussions earlier this year between Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiyah and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister AfrozaKhanam, during which the envoy confirmed Riyadh Air’s strong interest in launching Dhaka operations.
Both sides at the time expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral cooperation in aviation and tourism, reflecting growing connectivity demand between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
