A total of 141 direct and transit flights operating between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have been severely disrupted due to flight operational restrictions imposed across Saudi Arabian airports, affecting nearly 22,000 passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) disclosed these figures through an official press release issued late at night on Friday. According to the aviation regulator, the disruption has impacted 21,933 passengers in total, encompassing 66 direct flights and 75 transit flights that have faced cancellations or suspensions.
Among the affected direct flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines accounts for 27, US-Bangla Airlines for 10, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) for 19, and Riyadh Air for 10 flights. Additionally, the transit services heavily impacted by the restrictions include 29 flights operated by India's IndiGo, 14 by Emirates, nine by Qatar Airways, eight by flydubai, seven by Oman-based SalamAir, seven by India's Air India, and one by EgyptAir.
Flight operations on Dhaka-Riyadh routes have faced continuous setbacks since October 11, triggered by stringent security restrictions at Saudi airports following attacks by Yemen's Houthi armed group. In response to the evolving situation, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights across three separate phases.
As part of these cancellations, Biman has scrapped its Dammam-bound flights until October 25, while flights operating to and from Riyadh have been canceled through October 31, leaving thousands of travelers grappling with itinerary changes and travel uncertainties.
