Riyadh Air Takes Flight to Dhaka: Saudi Arabia’s Newest Carrier Expands Network to Nine Destinations

The aviation world is watching Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new flag carrier closely, and for good reason. Riyadh Air has officially marked its entry into the South Asian market by launching daily, non-stop flights between Riyadh and Dhaka.

The inaugural Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner departed King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) to a traditional water salute, officially cementing Dhaka as the airline's ninth global destination.

Tapping into a High-Demand Corridor

This isn't just another route on a map. According to recent IATA data, the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh corridor ranks as the ninth-largest country-pair passenger market serving the Middle East. Driven by deep-rooted commercial ties, religious travel (Umrah and Hajj), a massive expatriate workforce, and growing trade, the route has long been a high-volume powerhouse.

By stepping onto this busy path, Riyadh Air—flying alongside established carriers like Saudia and Biman Bangladesh Airlines—is offering travelers a fresh alternative. The daily service gives business and leisure travelers alike a smoother bridge between the two economic hubs, with seamless onward connections to cities like Jeddah.

Inside the Dreamliner Experience

True to its promise of redefining modern travel, Riyadh Air deployed its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 for the inaugural journey. Passengers stepping on board are treated to thoughtful touches across its cabins—including Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.

Highlights of the experience include:

• Cutting-Edge Entertainment: Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system paired with mobile-first connectivity.
• Thoughtful Wellness Amenities: Sustainable, locally-inspired comfort kits designed in partnership with Kayanee.
• Frequent Flyer Perks: Travelers can sign up for the airline's Sfeer loyalty program to secure a "Best Offer Guarantee," free onboard Wi-Fi, and rewards right out of the gate.

As Riyadh Air continues to scale up its operations following its mid-2026 launch, adding Dhaka proves that the newcomer is moving fast to connect the Kingdom to the world's most vital commercial centers.