Riyadh Air makes Dhaka debut, lands first flight

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, made its first landing in Dhaka on Saturday (August 8), opening a new chapter in direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

The airline’s inaugural flight from Riyadh arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 6:30am.

Airport authorities marked the occasion with a water-cannon salute.

The arrival was followed by a reception attended by Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafar H. Bin Abiah, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Executive Director Group Captain Ragib Samad and Riyadh Air Chief Commercial Officer Vincent Costa.

Speakers said the new service would strengthen links between Dhaka and Riyadh while supporting growing demand for travel between the two countries. The route is expected to benefit business, tourism and people-to-people connections, particularly given the large Bangladeshi community in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Air plans to operate daily nonstop flights between Dhaka and Riyadh using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Under the scheduled timings, flights will depart Riyadh at 9:20pm and arrive in Dhaka at 6:10am the following day. The return flight will leave Dhaka at 7:40am and reach Riyadh at 10:55am.

The new carrier adds another direct travel option to one of Bangladesh’s busiest international routes.

Saudi Arabia’s Saudia, alongside Bangladesh-based US-Bangla Airlines and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, already operates nonstop services between Dhaka and Riyadh. Riyadh Air’s entry is expected to increase competition and expand passenger capacity on the route.