Saudi Airport Restrictions Disrupt 144 Flights, Affect 22,021 Passengers
Bdbusinessdaily.com – Saudi airport restrictions have disrupted 144 direct and connecting flights, affecting 22,021 passengers travelling between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia or using Saudi airports in transit. The operational limits have created uncertainty for passengers bound for Riyadh and Dammam, as well as travellers with connecting itineraries through regional hubs.
According to Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh flight-management data, the affected total includes 67 direct flights and 77 transit services. Airlines operating nonstop Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia routes and carriers transporting passengers through international connections have both been impacted.
Direct Flights Most Affected
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has recorded the highest number of disrupted direct services, with 28 flights affected. Saudia Airlines has had 19 direct flights disrupted, while US-Bangla Airlines and Riyadh Air have each reported 10 affected services.
Biman has adjusted parts of its Saudi Arabia schedule after the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on the night of 21 October. Its Dhaka-Dammam flights scheduled from 23 to 25 October have been suspended.
The airline has also suspended Dhaka-Riyadh flights through 31 October, referring to the ongoing airstrike situation and passenger safety concerns. Passengers holding tickets for either route should verify their status with the airline or travel agent before travelling to the airport.
Jeddah and Medina Flights Continue
Despite the disruption, Biman’s scheduled flights from Dhaka to Jeddah and Medina are continuing. The airline has advised passengers booked for Riyadh or Dammam to consider travelling through Jeddah or Medina if seats are available.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended selected Dhaka-Dammam flights from 23 to 25 October and halted Dhaka-Riyadh services through 31 October amid the continuing security situation.
Using an alternative Saudi airport may help some passengers complete their trip, but it can also require new ground-transport plans, accommodation changes, or revised domestic travel arrangements. Rebooking options depend on seat availability and airline procedures.
Transit Services Face Widespread Delays
Transit flights account for 77 of the 144 disrupted services. IndiGo has recorded 30 affected transit flights, the highest among connecting carriers. Emirates has had 14 disrupted services, followed by Qatar Airways with nine.
Air India and flydubai have each reported eight affected transit flights. SalamAir has recorded seven disruptions, while EgyptAir has had one affected connecting service.
Passengers travelling through Dubai, Doha, India, Oman, or other hubs should check every segment of their itinerary. A delay or cancellation on one flight can lead to missed connections, longer airport waits, or a rerouting to a different destination airport.
What Passengers Should Do During Saudi Airport Restrictions
Travellers should confirm their flight status directly with their airline or travel agency before leaving for the airport. This is particularly important for bookings involving Riyadh, Dammam, or a Saudi transit stop.
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should ask about rebooking, alternative routing through Jeddah or Medina, baggage arrangements, revised connection times, and any changes to their final arrival plan. Keeping phone and email contact details updated in the booking can help airlines send schedule notices promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which flights have been affected?
A total of 144 flights have been disrupted so far: 67 direct services and 77 transit flights. The affected airlines include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, US-Bangla Airlines, Riyadh Air, IndiGo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India, flydubai, SalamAir, and EgyptAir.
Are Biman flights to Saudi Arabia operating?
Biman’s Dhaka-Dammam flights scheduled for 23 to 25 October have been suspended, and Dhaka-Riyadh flights are paused through 31 October. Flights from Dhaka to Jeddah and Medina are continuing on their regular schedules.
Can passengers use Jeddah or Medina instead?
Passengers booked for Riyadh or Dammam may be able to travel through Jeddah or Medina if seats are available. They should contact their airline or travel agent to confirm whether their ticket can be changed.
As Saudi airport restrictions continue to affect operations, passengers should follow airline updates closely and allow extra time for changes to their travel plans.