Security Risks and Weak Demand Reshape Flights

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all flights from Dhaka to Dammam and Riyadh through October 18 in response to attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia and concerns over passenger safety. Meanwhile, US carrier American Airlines has discontinued services to three major destinations this year amid geopolitical instability and weaker-than-expected demand, according to a report by the New York Post. The decisions highlight how security concerns, regional tensions and commercial pressures are reshaping international air travel.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the suspension of its Saudi-bound services. The state-owned carrier said flights from Dhaka to Dammam and Riyadh would remain suspended through October 18, Bangladesh time, in view of the ongoing situation in Saudi Arabia. Further decisions on resuming services and revised schedules will be announced in due course.

As an alternative for travel to Saudi Arabia, Biman has advised passengers to use Jeddah and Madinah international airports. The airline has also increased capacity on its Madinah route to accommodate passenger demand.

According to Biman, a Boeing 777 has replaced the Boeing 787 aircraft previously assigned to the Madinah route. The change has added 148 seats per flight. The airline has also arranged three additional flights to Jeddah.

Passengers seeking ticketing and travel information have been advised to contact their nearest Biman Bangladesh Airlines sales office. The airline has also urged travellers to confirm the latest flight schedules before departure.

However, the supplied report contains conflicting references to the suspension period. While the main description of Biman’s announcement says services will remain suspended through October 18, accompanying headlines refer to Riyadh and Dammam flights being suspended through October 17. Passengers should therefore follow the airline’s latest official announcement to confirm the applicable deadline.

Separately, the New York Post reports that American Airlines has discontinued services to three major destinations this year because of geopolitical instability and weaker-than-expected business. The destinations include one within the United States and two international locations. One of the discontinued services was among the airline’s longest nonstop routes.

The Texas-based carrier stopped operating flights to Santa Maria Airport (SMX) in California earlier this year and suspended services to Tijuana International Airport in Mexico in August. Its most significant decision, however, was to suspend flights to Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East and disappointing commercial performance, American Airlines cancelled its 14-hour-and-30-minute nonstop service from Philadelphia International Airport to Doha in March. The route, covering 6,798 miles, had been the longest flight operated by the airline from Philadelphia. To help maintain connectivity, American Airlines’ alliance partner Qatar Airways began operating daily flights between Philadelphia and Doha in August.

The report also states that American Airlines is not the only carrier to have suspended international services amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. United Airlines has also suspended services. Following the October 7, 2023, attacks, American Airlines had previously suspended its flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tel Aviv. Those services remain suspended through March 2027.

For commercial reasons, American Airlines also discontinued routes from Phoenix to Tijuana, Mexico, and Santa Maria, California. The Santa Maria route operated from October 2015 until May 2026 before being discontinued because of insufficient passenger demand.

Despite the route closures, American Airlines has announced plans to launch seven new international routes in 2027. The planned additions include services from Philadelphia to Porto in Portugal, Vienna in Austria and Reykjavik in Iceland.

The two airlines’ decisions stem from different circumstances. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has prioritized passenger safety in response to the security situation in Saudi Arabia. American Airlines, meanwhile, has adjusted its network in response to geopolitical conditions, passenger demand and commercial viability. Together, the developments illustrate the influence of security risks and business conditions on international aviation.

//DBTech/IH/SMP/MVNO//