In a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic relations and enhancing collaboration, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Aviation.
The agreement, signed by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali and President of Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation on behalf of Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz Al Duailez marks a pivotal moment in the aviation sector of both countries held at the secretariat office in the capital on Wednesday.
Under the terms of the newly signed MoU, the designated airlines of Bangladesh will enjoy a remarkable expansion of flight operations to Saudi Arabia.
The MoU enables Bangladeshi carriers to operate flights from any point within Bangladesh to any international point in Saudi Arabia, pending discussions with Saudi Arabian authorities.
This marks a notable departure from the previous arrangement, executed in 2012, which limited Bangladeshi airlines to only four airports in Saudi Arabia - Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah.
One of the most noteworthy outcomes of the new MoU is the substantial increase in flight frequencies from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia. Bangladesh Airlines will now have access to 49 passenger flight frequencies, in addition to 21 new cargo flight frequencies.
This represents a significant growth from the existing allocation of 49 passenger and cargo flight frequencies. Furthermore, for the 21 cargo frequencies, flights can be operated through four intermediate or distant points, utilising Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights. The specific selection of these points will be determined at a later stage.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali expressed gratitude for the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, acknowledging the continuous growth and advancement of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
Over the past fourteen and a half years, the country has witnessed substantial developments in air transport infrastructure, passenger services, and the nurturing of technical and human skills. The government is dedicated to transforming Bangladesh into a prominent aviation hub.
This new MoU is anticipated to enhance mutual cooperation between the two nations in the aviation sector, ultimately contributing positively to various aspects of their bilateral collaboration, including trade.
Furthermore, the State Minister highlighted the formulation of a comprehensive tourism master plan, which has opened up new avenues for the tourism industry in Bangladesh. This offers multiple prospects for cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in the tourism sector, a sentiment echoed by the Saudi Arabian officials present.
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Minister, speaking at the ceremony, emphasised the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations. He acknowledged the substantial Bangladeshi community residing in Saudi Arabia, which has played a crucial role in the development of both countries. He expressed optimism about the increased air traffic resulting from the new MoU, emphasising its mutual benefits.
Additionally, the Saudi Arabian minister recognised Bangladesh’s warm hospitality and picturesque natural environment, seeing a promising opportunity for the growth of tourism in Bangladesh. He extended Saudi Arabia’s support for the development of Bangladesh’s tourism sector in the future.
This landmark aviation agreement signals a new era of cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, not only in aviation but also in the realm of tourism. The expanded flight routes and frequencies are poised to foster closer ties and provide travellers with enhanced connectivity between the two countries, while simultaneously encouraging tourism and economic growth.
