Dammam Service Likely From 21 October As Jeddah And Madinah Remain Operational
Biman Suspends All Riyadh Flights Indefinitely Over Security Concerns
- Carrier suspends flights to Saudi capital following security threats and Houthi attacks
- High-capacity aircraft deployed on Madinah route through 18 October; Boeing 787 returns 19 October
- Passengers advised to utilize Jeddah and Madinah hubs; additional flights added on Jeddah route
Following heightened security concerns and reported Houthi attacks in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended all scheduled flight operations to Riyadh indefinitely. However, subject to ongoing risk assessments and regulatory clearance, services to Dammam may resume starting 21 October, the airline announced on Saturday.
In a press release issued on Saturday afternoon, 17 October 2026, Biman stated that a decision regarding the reopening of the Riyadh route will be made once formal directives and security clearances are granted by the Riyadh airport authorities, with updates communicated to passengers accordingly. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to restart flights to Dammam from 21 October, contingent upon final approvals from relevant aviation bodies and prevailing security conditions.
Despite disruptions across the Riyadh and Dammam sectors, Biman's regular flight schedules connecting Jeddah and Madinah remain fully functional. The carrier advised transit and inbound passengers to reroute emergency journeys via King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
To absorb elevated passenger volumes across the Western Province, Biman has deployed high-capacity wide-body aircraft on the Madinah sector through 18 October. Standard operations with Boeing 787 Dreamliners are scheduled to resume on the route from 19 October. In addition, the flag carrier is mobilizing special additional frequencies on the Jeddah route to facilitate stranded expatriates and ease travel congestion between Dhaka and Saudi Arabia.
Passengers requiring real-time itinerary updates, ticket issuance, reissues, or reservation adjustments have been advised to reach out directly to their nearest Biman Bangladesh Airlines sales offices and certified booking outlets, official sources confirmed.
//DBTech/BNN/SMP/MIST//
