Security concerns disrupt direct and transit services from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia
189 Riyadh-Dammam Flights Cancelled, Affecting 23,274 Passengers
- A total of 189 flights to Riyadh and Dammam were cancelled between October 10 and November 11
- The cancellations included 112 direct flights and 77 transit flights
- A total of 23,274 passengers have been affected by the disruptions
A total of 189 direct and transit flights from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and Dammam have been cancelled, affecting 23,274 passengers. The cancellations took place between October 10 and November 11 amid security-related disruptions in Saudi Arabia.
According to sources at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the cancelled flights included 112 direct services and 77 transit services.
Among the direct flights, 55 were operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 10 by US-Bangla Airlines, 22 by Saudia and 25 by Riyadh Air.
Transit services were also significantly affected. IndiGo accounted for 30 cancelled flights, followed by Emirates with 14, Qatar Airways with nine, flydubai and Air India with eight each, SalamAir with seven and EgyptAir with one.
Passengers on these flights were scheduled to reach Riyadh and Dammam through connecting airports in different countries. However, cancellations in those countries meant the airlines could not carry passengers waiting in Dhaka. As a result, both direct and transit passengers faced travel disruptions.
Earlier, following attacks by the Houthi group, operations at Riyadh Airport were suspended on security grounds. Dammam was also reportedly targeted. In response, Biman Bangladesh Airlines initially suspended its Riyadh and Dammam services until October 17. The suspension period was subsequently extended in view of the situation.
The continued disruptions have created uncertainty for passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia, particularly migrant workers, people returning to their jobs after leave and those travelling for urgent reasons.
//DBTech/ DPOR/SME/ FOED//
