Saudi airport restrictions: 23,085 passengers affected as 180 flights disrupted so far

Operational restrictions at Saudi Arabian airports have disrupted 180 direct and transit flights involving Bangladesh, affecting 23,085 passengers so far, according to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh’s (Caab) ASM Flight Management.

Of the affected flights, 103 were direct services, and 77 were transit flights, according to the latest update.

Among direct flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines recorded the highest number of disruptions, with 51 flights affected. Saudia Airlines and Riyadh Air had 21 affected flights each, while US-Bangla Airlines had 10.

Among transit flights, IndiGo recorded the highest number of affected services, with 30, followed by Emirates with 14, Qatar Airways with nine, flydubai and Air India with eight each, SalamAir with seven, and EgyptAir with one.

The disruptions began after attacks targeted Saudi airports in early October, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attacks prompted airlines to cancel or suspend services to several Saudi destinations amid security concerns.

Although Riyadh airport subsequently reopened, airlines were required to obtain permission from the Saudi civil aviation authority before landing or departing, prolonging disruptions to flight schedules, according to a Reuters report.

Biman had earlier advised passengers requiring urgent travel to or from Saudi Arabia to consider using Jeddah and Madinah airports as alternative gateways. It also operated additional Dhaka-Jeddah services to accommodate passenger demand while some routes remained suspended.

Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines or sales centres for the latest flight schedules and travel information.