Saudi airport restrictions disrupt 180 flights, affect 23,085 passengers

A total of 180 direct and transit flights involving Bangladesh have been disrupted due to operational restrictions at Saudi Arabian airports, affecting 23,085 passengers so far, according to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).
Of the affected flights, 103 were direct services and 77 were transit flights, with several airlines continuing to face schedule disruptions.
Among direct services, Biman Bangladesh Airlines recorded the highest number of disruptions, with 51 flights affected. Saudia Airlines and Riyadh Air each had 21 affected flights, while US-Bangla Airlines recorded 10.
Transit flights operated by several international carriers were also affected. IndiGo recorded the highest number of disruptions in this category, with 30 flights, followed by Emirates with 14 and Qatar Airways with nine.
Flydubai and Air India each had eight affected transit flights, while SalamAir recorded seven and EgyptAir one.
The disruptions began after attacks targeted Saudi airports in early October, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, prompting airlines to cancel or suspend several services over 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 Bangladesh Airlines earlier advised passengers requiring urgent travel to or from Saudi Arabia to consider using Jeddah and Madinah airports as alternative gateways.
The national flag carrier also operated additional flights on the Dhaka-Jeddah route to accommodate passenger demand while some services remained suspended.
Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines or sales centres to check the latest flight schedules and obtain updated travel information.