Saudi airport restrictions: 23,077 passengers affected as 174 flights disrupted so far

Operational restrictions at Saudi Arabian airports have disrupted 174 direct and transit flights involving Bangladesh, affecting 23,077 passengers so far, according to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh’s (Caab) ASM Flight Management.

Of the affected flights, 97 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 47 flights affected. Saudia Airlines had 21 affected flights, Riyadh Air 19 and US-Bangla Airlines 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.

Biman to resume Dammam flights on 7 Nov

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume regular flights on the Dhaka-Dammam-Dhaka route from 7 November, while services on the Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka route will remain suspended until further notice amid security concerns and operational uncertainty.

The airline has adjusted its flight schedule to various destinations in Saudi Arabia, taking into account passenger safety and the overall situation, according to a Biman press release.

Biman initially suspended its Riyadh-bound flights following attacks on Saudi airports in early October. It later extended the suspension of both Dhaka-Riyadh and Dhaka-Dammam services until 4 November, citing passenger safety.

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.

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.

The restrictions affected not only direct flights between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia but also connecting journeys through other countries, as airlines adjusted their schedules and suspended or cancelled services.