Riyadh Air launches Dhaka service with inaugural Boeing 787 flight

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, launched its first scheduled service to Bangladesh on Saturday, with its inaugural flight from Riyadh landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrived around 6:30am and was welcomed with a traditional water salute to mark the airline’s debut in the Bangladeshi market.

A ceremony held at the airport was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H Bin Abiya, HSIA Executive Director Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, and Riyadh Air Chief Commercial Officer Vincent Coste.

Speakers said the launch of the route reflects Riyadh Air’s ambition to connect Saudi Arabia with major cities around the world while providing passengers with a premium travel experience.

They said the new non-stop service will strengthen air connectivity between Dhaka and Riyadh and help meet growing demand for both business and leisure travel between the two countries.

Riyadh Air will operate flights on the route with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on a daily basis.

As per the schedule, flights will depart Riyadh at 9:20pm local time and arrive in Dhaka at 6:30am local time the following day. The return service will leave Dhaka at 7:40am and reach Riyadh at 10:55am local time.

With the launch of the new service, Riyadh Air joins Saudia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines in operating direct flights between the capitals of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.