Riyadh Air to launch daily Dhaka-Riyadh flight from August
The carrier is completing final operational preparations to begin services on the high-demand Dhaka-Riyadh route
ATT Correspondent 
Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline, Riyadh Air, is preparing to launch daily direct flights between Dhaka and Riyadh from August 1, in a move expected to boost competition and connectivity in Bangladesh’s expanding Gulf aviation market.
Officials at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh said the carrier is completing final operational preparations to begin services on the high-demand Dhaka-Riyadh route, widely used by Bangladeshi expatriate workers and Umrah pilgrims.
According to aviation sources, the airline has sought permission to operate seven flights a week between the two capitals. The scheduled flight will land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:00pm and depart for Riyadh an hour later.
Officials familiar with the process said regulatory procedures for the airline’s entry into Bangladesh have already been finalised, while approval of the operational schedule is expected soon.
The arrival of Riyadh Air is likely to increase competition on Saudi-bound routes currently served by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Saudia.
Industry insiders believe the new entrant could help create more competitive airfares, improved passenger services and stronger international connectivity for Bangladeshi travellers.
Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said the addition of another full-service Gulf airline would strengthen competition in pricing, transit options and service standards.
He noted that Bangladesh has become increasingly important within Gulf aviation networks due to the continued rise in labour migration and demand for religious travel.
Officials also said Riyadh Air is considering future expansion to Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, with possible direct flights from Sylhet and Chattogram at later stages.
The planned launch follows earlier discussions between Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiyah and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on enhancing bilateral cooperation in aviation and tourism.
Founded in 2023 under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, Riyadh Air is owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund and aims to position Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub.
The airline is led by former Etihad Airways chief executive Tony Douglas and plans to connect more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030 using a fleet that includes Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A321neo and Airbus A350 aircraft.
