Saudi Flight Disruptions Hit 20,254 Passengers

At least 134 Bangladesh-linked flights have been disrupted amid tighter operating restrictions and limitations at airports in Saudi Arabia, leaving 20,254 passengers travelling between the two countries facing significant inconvenience and uncertainty. The affected services include 61 direct flights and 73 transit flights operated through other countries.

Muhammad Kawser Mahmud, public relations officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), confirmed the figures on Wednesday. He said the disruptions had affected both direct and transit operations amid the overall situation.

According to CAAB data, state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines was the hardest-hit carrier among airlines operating direct flights, with 22 services disrupted. Saudi Arabian Airlines, commonly known as Saudia, had 19 affected flights, while US-Bangla Airlines and Riyadh Air each had 10.

Transit Services Also Disrupted

The schedules of 73 transit flights routed through other countries were also affected. Indian private carrier IndiGo recorded the highest number of disruptions in this category, with 28 flights affected.

Other affected services included 14 Emirates flights, nine Qatar Airways flights, eight flydubai flights, seven SalamAir flights from Oman, six Air India flights and one EgyptAir flight.

Passengers Face Uncertainty

Sudden cancellations and repeated schedule changes have left expatriate workers travelling to Saudi Arabia and passengers waiting to return to Bangladesh facing considerable difficulties. Travellers arriving at airports have encountered uncertainty over the latest status of their flights.

The information provided does not specify the precise cause of the restrictions, how long they are expected to remain in place or when normal flight operations may resume.

//DBTech/DPB/SME/MVNO//