Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have agreed to significantly expand air connectivity, increasing the number of authorized weekly passenger flights between the two countries from 49 to 84.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters.

Under the new arrangement, designated airlines from both countries will be permitted to operate up to 84 passenger flights per week, creating capacity for an additional 35 weekly flights compared with the previous agreement.

Officials said the expanded flight quota is expected to help meet growing travel demand between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, particularly among migrant workers, business travelers, and religious pilgrims.

The agreement also includes provisions for up to 21 weekly cargo flights, as well as expanded aviation cooperation through code-sharing arrangements, aircraft leasing opportunities, co-terminalization, and fifth-freedom traffic rights.

According to CAAB, the revised framework is expected to strengthen bilateral connectivity and facilitate smoother passenger and cargo movement between the two nations.

Officials said the enhanced aviation partnership could also support Hajj and Umrah travel, boost trade and commerce, improve logistics networks, and strengthen ties between Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia and their families back home.

Saudi Arabia remains one of the most important overseas destinations for Bangladeshi workers, making air connectivity a key component of economic and people-to-people relations between the two countries