Operational disruptions at major airports across Saudi Arabia have led to the cancellation or suspension of 100 flights connecting to Bangladesh, leaving more than 15,000 passengers stranded. The logistical crisis, stemming from security concerns following a reported Houthi attack on King Khaled International Airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, has severely impacted travel schedules for both direct and transit routes.
According to a press release issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh on Wednesday evening, the affected traffic includes 41 direct flights and 59 transit services. The disruption has left an estimated 15,393 travelers facing significant uncertainty as airlines grapple with restricted airport operations in the kingdom.
The breakdown of affected direct services includes 17 flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 10 by US-Bangla Airlines, seven by Saudia, and seven by Riyadh Air. The transit flight disruptions involve numerous international carriers, including 22 flights operated by the Indian airline IndiGo, 14 by Emirates, seven by SalamAir, seven by Qatar Airways, six by flydubai, two by Air India, and one by EgyptAir.
In response to these volatile operational conditions, national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced that it has suspended all flights from Dhaka to Riyadh and Dammam until October 17. Meanwhile, the private carrier US-Bangla Airlines has opted to cancel all its flights on the Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka route through October 21.
Aviation authorities are continuing to monitor the situation at Saudi airports as stakeholders coordinate to mitigate the impact on thousands of passengers whose travel plans remain suspended. The security situation in Riyadh remains the primary factor necessitating these widespread service adjustments.
