Bangladesh, Aug. 13 -- Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand passenger and cargo air services.

Under the agreement, the number of permitted weekly passenger flights between the two countries is set to rise from 49 to 84.

It also allows 21 cargo flights a week and introduces provisions for fifth freedom traffic rights, code-sharing, co-terminalisation and aircraft leasing, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq said on Thursday.

Speaking at the CAAB headquarters in Dhaka's Kurmitola, Siddiq said the additional 35 weekly passenger flights would help meet growing demand on the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia route.

Hajj and Umrah passengers are ex...